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 House of Representatives and received in the Senate on March 6, 2025. It aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for appliances.
The rule in question pertains to certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for certain consumer products and commercial equipment. The resolution seeks to nullify the DOE rule, preventing it from taking effect.
This action is taken under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which provides a mechanism for congressional review and disapproval of agency rules.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.42 is enacted, the Department of Energy's rule regarding appliance standards would be invalidated. This means the existing regulations, or lack thereof, would remain in place.
Manufacturers would not be required to comply with the new certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions outlined in the disapproved rule. This could lead to a different landscape for energy conservation efforts related to appliances.
The practical effect depends on whether the disapproved rule was intended to strengthen or weaken existing standards.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for manufacturers if the rule imposed burdensome requirements.
- May allow for greater innovation and flexibility in product design if the rule was overly prescriptive.
- Could prevent potential negative impacts on consumers if the rule led to higher prices or reduced product availability.
- Could align energy policy more closely with congressional priorities if Congress believes the rule overstepped the DOE's authority.
- May prevent the implementation of standards that are not technologically feasible or economically justified.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption if the rule aimed to strengthen standards.
- May lead to less transparency and consumer information regarding the energy performance of appliances if the labeling requirements are removed.
- Could undermine the DOE's ability to enforce energy conservation standards effectively.
- May create uncertainty for manufacturers who have already begun to comply with the rule.
- Could negatively impact environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts if the rule promoted energy conservation.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative power under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is authorized, is a mechanism by which Congress can check the power of the executive branch in rulemaking.
By disapproving the DOE rule, Congress is asserting its authority to oversee and potentially reject regulations promulgated by executive agencies. This aligns with the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances.
However, the specific constitutionality of the underlying DOE rule itself (prior to congressional disapproval) would depend on whether the DOE acted within the scope of its delegated authority from Congress and whether the rule infringes on any other constitutional rights or limitations.
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).