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 the House of Representatives that disapproves of a rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The rule in question is 89 Fed. Reg. 105188, published on December 26, 2024. The resolution aims to nullify this rule, preventing it from taking effect.
The resolution is based on Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which provides a mechanism for Congress to disapprove of agency rules. This is a check on the power of the executive branch and its agencies.
By disapproving the DOE rule, Congress is asserting its authority over energy conservation standards and potentially signaling a different approach to energy policy.
Expected Effects
If the resolution is enacted, the Department of Energy's rule regarding energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters will not go into effect. This means that the existing standards, if any, will remain in place, or there may be no specific federal standards governing these appliances.
Manufacturers of these water heaters would not be required to comply with the new standards outlined in the disapproved rule. Consumers might have access to a wider range of water heaters, potentially including less energy-efficient but also less expensive models.
The broader impact could be a slowdown in the implementation of stricter energy efficiency standards for appliances, depending on future legislative and regulatory actions.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower initial costs for consumers: Disapproving stricter energy conservation standards might allow manufacturers to produce less expensive water heaters, benefiting consumers who prioritize upfront costs.
- Wider range of product choices: Consumers may have access to a broader selection of water heaters, including models that might not meet the proposed energy efficiency standards but offer other desirable features.
- Reduced regulatory burden on manufacturers: Manufacturers would avoid the costs associated with complying with the new energy conservation standards, potentially freeing up resources for innovation or other business activities.
- Congressional oversight of agency regulations: The resolution demonstrates Congress's ability to check the power of executive agencies and ensure that regulations align with legislative intent.
- Preservation of existing standards: The resolution maintains the status quo, preventing potentially disruptive changes to the water heater market.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased energy consumption: Less stringent energy conservation standards could lead to higher energy consumption by water heaters, increasing utility bills for consumers over the long term.
- Negative environmental impact: Higher energy consumption could contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems.
- Slower progress towards energy efficiency goals: Disapproving the rule could hinder efforts to improve overall energy efficiency and reduce the nation's carbon footprint.
- Uncertainty for manufacturers: The back-and-forth between the executive and legislative branches creates uncertainty for manufacturers, making it difficult to plan for the future.
- Potential for outdated technology: Sticking with older standards could discourage the development and adoption of more energy-efficient water heating technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. This includes the power to oversee and check the actions of the executive branch and its agencies.
Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, provides a statutory mechanism for congressional review of agency rulemaking, reinforcing this oversight function. The resolution is an exercise of this power, ensuring that agency regulations are consistent with congressional intent.
Furthermore, the resolution does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).