On April 10, APGA filed a legal brief that argues for the continued availability of natural gas appliances for millions of Americans nationwide.
APGA was disappointed that the Department of Energy (DOE) failed to present a transparent economic analysis justifying the recent establishment of appliance energy standards. If not vacated, the final regulations around consumer furnaces and commercial water heaters are poised to raise costs for consumers and businesses, compelling them to switch from appliances fueled by reliable and affordable natural gas to electric alternatives. This comes despite natural gas being nearly three times more efficient than electricity when used directly in the home.
These new appliance efficiency standards are based on flawed analyses that undermine consumer choice, as well as gas utilities’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower consumer costs. APGA has consistently opposed such changes throughout the rulemaking process. While directed at residential furnaces and commercial water heaters, this legal challenge could have wide-ranging implications for gas-fired appliances and others under DOE’s purview.
APGA released a statement on this, which can be found here.
An amici in support of APGA's position is due next week while DOE's response brief is due on June 10, and APGA's reply is due July 10.
For questions on this article, please contact Renée Lani of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0836 or by email at rlani@apga.org.