H.R.1281 - Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2025; Natural GAS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1281, the "Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2025," aims to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by modifying energy efficiency standards for various natural gas appliances. These appliances include water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and kitchen cooktops, ranges, and ovens. The bill emphasizes full fuel cycle analysis in rulemaking and seeks to prevent significant shifts from gas to electric appliances.
It also provides exemptions for small manufacturers and requires prominent disclosure of energy efficiency information on appliance labels. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely result in changes to the regulatory process for setting energy efficiency standards for natural gas appliances. It would require the Department of Energy to conduct full fuel cycle analyses and certify that new rules do not cause a significant shift to electric appliances. Small manufacturers would be exempt from certain regulations, potentially affecting market competition and innovation.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures a comprehensive analysis of energy efficiency standards by requiring a full fuel cycle analysis.
- Protects small businesses by exempting small manufacturers from certain regulations.
- Increases consumer awareness through prominent disclosure of energy efficiency information.
- May prevent premature shifts to electric appliances if gas appliances are more efficient on a full fuel cycle basis.
- Could foster innovation in natural gas appliance technology.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially slows down the implementation of stricter energy efficiency standards.
- Exempting small manufacturers could lead to less efficient appliances being produced.
- May hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if gas appliances are favored over electric alternatives.
- The required analysis could be interpreted in ways that favor the natural gas industry.
- Could increase the cost of compliance for larger appliance manufacturers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate commerce under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution (the Commerce Clause), as it sets standards for appliances sold across state lines. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The bill's focus on energy efficiency standards falls within the scope of Congress's authority to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
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).