South California’s NOx Rules for Commercial Food Ovens

In August 2023, California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District adopted a first-in-the-nation rule that aims to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from commercial food ovens in the South Coast district. The area includes large swaths of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and it’s home to top food manufacturers such as Bimbo Bakery, Frito-Lay and chip-maker Snak-King. Starting in 2027, nearly 100 facilities operating a total of 218 ovens must meet a zero-emissions limit for NOx. Virtually all companies will have to replace their gas-burning ovens with electric options.