H.J.Res.15 - 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 Commercial Water Heating Equipment. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.15 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a final rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment. The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), allowing Congress to overturn agency regulations. The rule in question is 88 Fed. Reg. 69686, published on October 6, 2023.
If passed, this resolution would nullify the DOE's energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment, preventing them from taking effect. This action reflects a congressional effort to check the regulatory authority of the executive branch.
The resolution was submitted by Mr. Messmer and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.15 is enacted, the Department of Energy's (DOE) final rule regarding energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment would be invalidated.
This would mean that the specific energy efficiency requirements outlined in the rule (88 Fed. Reg. 69686) would not be enforced. Manufacturers of commercial water heating equipment would not be required to comply with these standards.
The practical effect would be a rollback of energy efficiency regulations in this sector, potentially leading to different levels of energy consumption and associated costs.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for businesses manufacturing commercial water heating equipment.
- May lead to lower initial purchase prices for certain types of water heaters if manufacturers opt for less efficient models.
- Could allow for greater flexibility in product design and innovation, without being constrained by specific energy efficiency mandates.
- Might prevent potential disruptions to the supply chain or availability of certain types of commercial water heaters.
- Could be seen as a check on executive branch regulatory overreach, reinforcing congressional authority.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased energy consumption by commercial water heating equipment, resulting in higher operating costs for businesses.
- May slow down progress towards national energy conservation goals and climate change mitigation efforts.
- Could reduce the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in international markets that have stricter energy efficiency standards.
- Might result in the release of more greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from less efficient water heaters.
- Could undermine the DOE's authority to set energy efficiency standards, potentially weakening future conservation efforts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution's constitutional alignment stems from Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act (CRA), under which this resolution is filed, is a mechanism for Congress to review and disapprove agency rules, asserting its legislative authority over executive branch regulations.
This action can also be viewed in light of the separation of powers doctrine, as Congress seeks to check the regulatory power of the Department of Energy. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
However, the appropriateness of using the CRA to overturn specific energy efficiency standards could be debated, depending on one's interpretation of the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including energy-related matters.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).