Congress blocks water heater efficiency rule, raising long-term energy costs
H.J.Res. 20 — 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". · Filed by Gary Palmer (R-AL) · 29 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 15, 2025 · Signed
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What it does
This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to block a Department of Energy rule that would have tightened energy-efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. The rule is voided and has no legal effect. Consumers will continue to be able to purchase less efficient (and cheaper upfront) water heaters, though they may pay more in gas bills over time.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole function is to block a DOE efficiency standard using the Congressional Review Act. It is a straightforward deregulatory measure that prevents stricter energy-conservation requirements from taking effect.
What the text implies
- Blocking the rule prevents DOE from re-issuing a substantially similar standard without new Congressional Review Act disapproval, effectively locking in the less efficient baseline for gas water heaters.
- Consumers purchasing water heaters in the near term will face a permanent efficiency penalty relative to what the rule would have required, increasing cumulative household energy spending over appliance lifespans.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
gas water heater manufacturers; natural gas utilities; appliance retailers