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 introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The resolution seeks to nullify the DOE rule, preventing it from taking effect. The disapproval is pursued under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which provides a mechanism for congressional review of agency rulemaking.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.J.Res.20 would prevent the implementation of the DOE's energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. This means the existing standards, if any, would remain in place, and manufacturers would not be required to comply with the new DOE rule. The practical effect would be to maintain the status quo regarding energy efficiency requirements for these appliances.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower initial costs for consumers if the new standards would have increased the price of water heaters.
- Reduced regulatory burden on manufacturers, allowing them to focus on other innovations.
- Preservation of consumer choice, as the market would not be limited by stricter efficiency standards.
- Possible avoidance of unintended consequences from the new standards, such as reduced performance or reliability.
- Could prevent job losses in manufacturing if compliance with the new rule would have been overly burdensome.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially reduced energy savings for consumers over the long term.
- Slower progress towards national energy conservation goals.
- Possible negative environmental impacts due to less efficient water heaters.
- Reduced incentive for manufacturers to innovate in energy-efficient technologies.
- May conflict with broader efforts to address climate change.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative powers as granted by Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in the Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is filed, is a mechanism created by Congress to oversee and potentially disapprove of rules created by executive agencies. This oversight function is consistent with the principle of checks and balances.
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).