Sen. Cruz Introduces Resolution to Repeal Biden Appliances Rule on Gas Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to repeal a Biden administration Department of Energy (DOE) rule banning certain natural gas water heaters.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Once again, Democrats are waging a war on household appliances under the guise of combating climate change. This rule, rushed through by the Biden administration in its final days, does more harm than good. It forces American families to choose between costly, high-end models or less efficient alternatives—limiting their options and undermining their freedom of choice. American families deserve access to affordable, reliable appliances without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.”
The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.).
Read the Congressional Review Act here.
BACKGROUND
If not repealed the rule would remove roughly forty percent of the existing market for tankless water heaters and force consumers to pay an extra $450 for alternatives. The new DOE rule stipulates that new tankless gas water heaters must rely on 13% less energy than the least efficient comparable model on the market today. The ban goes into effect on March 11, 2025, for sales beginning in 2029.
Sen. Cruz’s joint resolution of disapproval received support from the: American Public Gas Association (APGA), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), American Energy Alliance (AEA), American Gas Association (AGA), Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA), Western Energy Alliance (WEA), Rinnai America, and Americans for Prosperity (AFP).
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