On Wednesday, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced a Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that would block the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Final Rule establishing Standards for Gas-Fired Instantaneous Water Heaters (GIWHs). The Final Rule establishes efficiency standards for certain consumer water heaters at levels that would eliminate/ban more affordable appliance options for APGA members’ customers. Community-owned gas utilities deliver the energy that fuels these appliances. APGA strongly supports energy efficiency and practical energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters. However, if this rule is not disapproved, it becomes the latest appliance regulation that will eliminate an affordable and efficient appliance option for Americans.
The Final Rule for GIWHs was issued on December 26th, 2024. Because the date the rule was published falls within what is referred to as the “look-back” period, it is subject to CRA challenges in Congress.
CRA Resolutions are a tool that Congress can use to block certain administrative actions that they believe are not justified. To be enacted, a resolution must be approved by both Chambers of Congress and be signed by the President. APGA previously supported successful efforts in the Senate to pass a similar resolution disapproving of the harmful rulemaking pertaining to gas-fired furnaces, read more here.
Several other House members joined as cosponsors on Rep. Palmer’s (AL-06) Resolution (other cosponsors will join after introduction):
- Rep. Julia Letlow of Louisiana
- Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia
- Rep. Randy Weber of Texas
- Rep. Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma
- Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama
- Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee
- Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York
- Rep. Russ Fulcher of Idaho
- Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan
- Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas
- Rep. Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota
- Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado
- Rep. Jim Baird of Indiana
- Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri
Senate champions are expected to introduce their version of a resolution of disapproval in the coming days. APGA staff will continue to support members of Congress and their staffs in their efforts to pass these much-needed resolutions and protect American energy consumers.
For questions on this article, please contact Joshua St.Pierre of APGA staff by phone at 202-407-0015 or by email at jstpierre@apga.org.