H.J.Res.42 - 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.42 is a joint resolution passed by the US Congress to disapprove a rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE). The rule concerns energy conservation standards for appliances, specifically dealing with certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for certain consumer and commercial products. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the DOE's rule.
Expected Effects
The disapproval means the DOE's rule regarding appliance standards will have no legal force or effect. This could lead to a rollback of specific energy efficiency requirements for appliances. It also reinforces Congress's oversight role in regulatory matters.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced compliance costs for manufacturers, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers.
- Greater flexibility for manufacturers in designing and producing appliances.
- Prevents potential overreach by the Department of Energy in setting appliance standards.
- Reinforces congressional authority over executive agency regulations.
- Could spur innovation by allowing manufacturers to explore alternative energy-saving technologies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced energy efficiency in appliances, leading to higher energy consumption.
- Slower progress towards national energy conservation goals.
- Possible negative environmental impacts due to increased energy use.
- Uncertainty for businesses that had already begun to comply with the DOE rule.
- May weaken the incentive for manufacturers to develop and adopt energy-saving technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is enacted, is a mechanism for Congress to check the power of the executive branch in regulatory matters. By disapproving the DOE rule, Congress is exercising its legislative authority to shape policy and ensure that executive actions align with congressional intent. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by 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).