Congress Nixes New Efficiency Standards for Gas Water Heaters: DOE Rule Tossed

This joint resolution throws out a Department of Energy (DOE) rule that would have set stricter energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The rule, published on [date of publication in the bill], is now officially off the books.

Scrapping the Standards

The core of this resolution is straightforward: it disapproves a DOE rule aimed at making gas-fired instantaneous water heaters more energy efficient. By invoking chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, Congress is using its authority to nullify the rule, meaning it won't go into effect and can't be enforced. This stops the DOE from implementing the standards detailed in 89 Fed. Reg. 105188.

Real-World Ripple Effects

So, what does this mean for everyday people? The DOE's now-defunct rule was designed to reduce energy consumption. By rejecting these standards, Congress is potentially keeping the door open for manufacturers to produce, and consumers to buy, water heaters that use more energy. For example, a homeowner choosing a new water heater might find models with lower upfront costs but higher energy bills over time. A restaurant owner relying on hot water throughout the day could see their monthly gas bill creep up if they opt for a less efficient model now permitted.

The Hurdles Ahead

While this resolution prevents the DOE from enforcing these specific water heater standards, it doesn't necessarily stop the department from trying to regulate energy efficiency in the future. The DOE could propose new rules, which would then be subject to another round of congressional review. It also fits into a bigger picture where existing laws require the DOE to periodically review and update energy conservation standards. This resolution essentially hits the 'pause' button on one specific set of those updates, but the ongoing process continues.