This week, the Senate voted to finalize the two Department of Energy rules for equipment during the Biden administration, sending the bill to President Donald Trump to sign the law. [emphasis, links added]
Senators voted 52 to 46 on Wednesday to overturn a rule that requires appliances to meet specific standards for energy-efficient labels.
These standards apply to a variety of consumer products, including dishwashers, heat pumps, dehumidifiers and air conditioners. The House voted in March to cancel the statute.
With energy efficiency standards, the Senate voted on Thursday 52-45 to overturn the Department of Energy regulations that set stricter standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers and refrigerator freezers that are part of its energy-saving plan. It aims to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) brought the bill to the floor.
“Our bill repeals the heavy and expensive Biden administration regulations regarding commercial refrigeration equipment that will drive prices for consumer goods.” Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX), who sponsors the House bill, said in a statement.
Goldman Sachs added: “Americans want common sense policies and freedom from government, rather than increasing left-wing policies to increase the cost of living. I am honored to provide results that support small businesses and hard-working Americans.”
In 2023, industry groups reached an agreement on refrigerator and freezer standards, which the department used as the final rule.
Republicans believe that the standards do not consider the impact on consumer costs.
The House also voted last month to revoke the rules, but supporters of the regulations believe that the reversal will cost businesses currency.
Top photo of Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Reviewer Reading Break in Washington
