H.J.Res.24 - 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.24 is a joint resolution passed by the House of Representatives and received in the Senate, disapproving a rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the DOE rule, which was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2024. If enacted, the resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect.
The rule in question pertains to energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. The resolution aims to block its implementation.
The disapproval is based on the premise that the rule is not in the best interest of the country.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.24 is enacted, the Department of Energy's rule regarding energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers will not go into effect. This means that the existing standards, if any, will remain in place, or there will be no federal standards governing these appliances.
Businesses that manufacture, sell, or use walk-in coolers and freezers would not be subject to the new energy conservation standards outlined in the disapproved rule. This could lead to different energy consumption patterns than what the DOE anticipated.
The resolution's impact will largely depend on the specific content of the disapproved rule and the extent to which it would have affected energy consumption, costs, and business operations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces compliance costs for businesses that manufacture or use walk-in coolers and freezers.
- May prevent unintended consequences of the rule that could negatively impact the availability or affordability of these appliances.
- Could allow for more flexible or innovative approaches to energy conservation in this sector.
- Reinforces congressional oversight of executive agency rulemaking.
- May lead to reconsideration of the rule by the DOE, potentially resulting in a revised rule that is more acceptable to stakeholders.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to higher energy consumption by walk-in coolers and freezers compared to what would have occurred under the disapproved rule.
- May slow down progress towards national energy conservation goals.
- Could result in missed opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Might create uncertainty for businesses that had already begun preparing to comply with the new rule.
- Potentially undermines the DOE's authority to set energy conservation standards.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative powers under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act (CRA), under which this resolution is authorized, is a mechanism for Congress to check the power of the executive branch in implementing regulations. This aligns with the principle of separation of powers.
There is no apparent conflict with any specific constitutional provision. The resolution follows established procedures for congressional action.
The action is consistent with the legislative process outlined in the Constitution.
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).