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 and received in the Senate on March 3, 2025. It aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The resolution invokes chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which provides for congressional review of agency rulemaking.
Specifically, the resolution targets rule 89 Fed. Reg. 105188, published on December 26, 2024. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the DOE's energy conservation standards for the specified water heaters, preventing the rule from taking effect.
The resolution reflects a congressional check on executive agency rulemaking, a power granted to Congress to ensure agencies do not overstep their authority or implement regulations contrary to legislative intent.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of H.J.Res.20, if enacted, would be to prevent the Department of Energy's (DOE) energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters from taking effect. This means that manufacturers would not be required to meet the new standards outlined in the disapproved rule.
Consumers might have continued access to a wider range of water heater models, potentially including less energy-efficient but possibly lower-cost options. The energy efficiency landscape for water heaters would remain as it was prior to the disapproved rule.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower initial costs for consumers if less efficient, cheaper water heater models remain available.
- Reduced compliance burden for manufacturers, potentially freeing up resources for innovation in other areas.
- Preservation of consumer choice by allowing a wider range of water heater options.
- Could prevent potential disruptions to the supply chain if manufacturers faced challenges in meeting the new standards.
- Reinforces congressional oversight of executive agency rulemaking.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially higher long-term energy costs for consumers due to the continued use of less energy-efficient water heaters.
- Slower progress towards national energy conservation goals.
- Possible negative environmental impacts due to increased energy consumption.
- May discourage innovation in energy-efficient water heater technologies.
- Could lead to inconsistencies in energy efficiency standards across different types of appliances.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the principle of separation of powers, as it represents a check by the legislative branch (Congress) on the executive branch (Department of Energy). Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress.
The Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code), which this resolution invokes, is a mechanism established by Congress to oversee agency rulemaking. This act itself is an exercise of Congress's legislative authority and its power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution.
By disapproving a rule, Congress is essentially legislating to prevent that rule from having the force of law. This action falls within Congress's enumerated powers to regulate commerce and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
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).