WAIRE Compliance for 2026 and Annual Reporting in 2027
As 2026 comes to a close, warehouse owners and operators should review their obligations under South Coast AQMD’s Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program. For applicable operators, the Annual WAIRE Report for the 2026 compliance year is due January 31, 2027. Preparing now gives your team time to check records, confirm compliance options, and address documentation gaps before reporting.
Who Needs to Comply?
South Coast AQMD Rule 2305 applies to warehouse buildings with at least 100,000 square feet of indoor floor space in a single building within the district’s jurisdiction. Owners and operators have different responsibilities, and an operator’s requirements depend on its use of the building and applicable exemptions.
Owners generally submit Warehouse Operations Notifications, while operators have Initial Site Information Report and annual reporting obligations. Confirming which requirements apply to your facility is an essential first step.
What Changes for 2026?
The program’s annual variable has reached 1.0 for all warehouse size phases in 2026. This is particularly relevant to Phase 3 facilities, which previously used a lower variable.
The variable helps determine the WAIRE Points Compliance Obligation alongside weighted annual truck trips. Operators should review their calculations using current operations and the applicable factor, rather than carrying forward an earlier year’s obligation.
Review Your Compliance Options
The WAIRE Program provides several ways to meet a points obligation, including eligible actions on the WAIRE Menu, implementation of an approved Custom WAIRE Plan, and payment of a mitigation fee, or a combination of these approaches.
The best approach depends on your facility’s operations, existing equipment, planned investments, and eligibility. Reviewing those options before year-end helps identify which actions and records can support your report.
Prepare for Your Annual WAIRE Report
Start with a focused review of the information needed to demonstrate compliance:
- Confirm applicability. Review your building size, operating space, and any changes in ownership, tenancy, or operations.
- Check truck trip records. Make sure the information used in your calculations is complete and verifiable.
- Review your points obligation. Use the variableapplicable to the 2026 compliance year.
- Document eligible actions. Gather the records supporting the points you plan to report.
- Prepare the submission and fees. Allow time for review, certification, and payment through the WAIRE Program Online Portal.
South Coast AQMD considers reports complete only after receiving both the certified report and the applicable fee payment. Building these steps into your schedule can help avoid a last-minute scramble.
Plan for 2027 While Closing Out 2026
Annual reporting is easier when compliance tracking is part of everyday operations. Establish a consistent process for collecting truck trip data, documenting eligible activities, and reviewing planned investments throughout 2027.
Citadel EHS Can Help
Citadel EHS supports clients with WAIRE compliance planning, documentation, training, and implementation. Our Environmental Compliance team can help you understand your facility’s requirements and prepare for the upcoming reporting cycle.
For support, contact Nalinna Rasu, Principal, Environmental Compliance, at nrasu@citadelehs.com or 818.246.2707.
For additional regulatory information, visit the South Coast AQMD WAIRE Program webpage and review Rule 2305.
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