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. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.20 is a joint resolution passed by Congress to disapprove a rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The resolution specifically targets rule 89 Fed. Reg. 105188, published on December 26, 2024. The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act, allowing Congress to overturn agency regulations.
Expected Effects
The disapproval means the DOE rule regarding energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters will not go into effect. Manufacturers will not be required to meet the new standards outlined in the disapproved rule. Consumers may have access to a wider range of water heater options, potentially at varying energy efficiencies and price points.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents potential increases in the cost of water heaters, making them more affordable for consumers.
- Allows consumers to choose from a wider variety of water heater models, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Reduces regulatory burden on manufacturers, potentially fostering innovation and competition.
- Avoids potential disruptions to the supply chain of water heaters.
- Prevents the potential loss of jobs in the manufacturing and installation sectors related to gas-fired water heaters.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to less energy-efficient water heaters being sold, increasing energy consumption and costs for consumers over the long term.
- Could result in higher greenhouse gas emissions due to the continued use of less efficient appliances.
- May slow down the transition to more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies in the water heating sector.
- Could negatively impact efforts to reduce the nation's carbon footprint and combat climate change.
- Potentially undermines the Department of Energy's authority to set energy conservation standards.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is enacted, is a mechanism by which Congress can check the power of the executive branch and its agencies. This action does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).