FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Josh St.Pierre
Phone: (202) 407-0015
Email: jstpierre@apga.org
APGA Applauds Overturning of Flawed Water Heater Rulemaking
Washington, D.C. (May 13, 2025) – The American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing more than 730 communities across the U.S. that own and operate their retail natural gas distribution entities, issued the following statement in response to President Trump signing into law a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval related to the Biden Administration’s rulemaking revising the minimum efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters (GIWHs).
“APGA applauds the resolution to end the Biden Administration’s flawed gas-fired instantaneous water heater rule. APGA strongly supports energy efficiency and practical energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters. However, if this rule had not been disapproved, it would have become the latest appliance regulation that would have eliminated an affordable and efficient appliance option for Americans.”
“The disapproval of the Biden Administration’s gas-fired instantaneous water heaters standard aligns directly with President Trump’s policy ‘to safeguard the American people’s freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances, including… gas stoves, water heaters… and to promote market competition and innovation within the manufacturing and appliance industries’ as stated in the president’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order.”
“APGA appreciates Senator Cruz and Congressman Palmer in taking action to roll back a greatly flawed DOE rulemaking that wrongfully limits consumer choice. This rule is the latest of several impacting gas-fired appliances in which the agency has failed to appropriately evaluate the negative impact that it will have on American consumers and manufacturers. Overturning this rule will ensure consumers can continue to choose the water heater that best fits their needs, budget, and homes or businesses.”
“APGA thanks President Trump and all members of the Senate and House of Representatives that were willing to use the important oversight powers to disapprove this rule under the CRA. These efforts call attention to the negative impact it would have had on consumer choice and access to affordable appliances best suited for the needs of all American homes and businesses.”
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APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly-owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 6 million customers. These public gas utilities are not-for-profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities