A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".
Plain Language Summary
# Bill Summary: Congressional Disapproval of Water Heater Efficiency Standards **What the Bill Would Do** This resolution would overturn a Department of Energy (DOE) rule from December 2024 that sets new energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. If passed, the rule would be canceled, and the previous standards would remain in effect. The DOE's rule required manufacturers to make these water heaters more energy efficient to reduce energy waste and consumer utility costs. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill would primarily affect water heater manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturers would face less stringent efficiency requirements, potentially making it cheaper to produce water heaters but potentially resulting in higher operating costs for consumers.
The bill uses a special congressional procedure called the Congressional Review Act that allows Congress to overturn recent federal regulations. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) sponsored the resolution. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. It represents one of several efforts to roll back Biden-era environmental and efficiency regulations in the new Congress.
CRS Official Summary
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 12.