FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Josh St.Pierre
Phone: (202) 407-0015
Email: jstpierre@apga.org
APGA Applauds Senate Introduction of Resolution to Disapprove Flawed Water Heater Rulemaking
Washington, D.C. (January 23, 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 the introduction of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in the Senate related to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent rulemaking revising its minimum efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters (GIWHs).
“APGA applauds today’s Senate introduction of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval of DOE’s gas-fired instantaneous water heater rule. This effort joins a CRA introduction in the U.S. House of Representatives. 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 Senate’s efforts to disapprove DOE’s gas-fired instantaneous water heaters standard align 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 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 all members of the Senate that are willing to use the important oversight powers to disapprove this rule under the CRA. These members join members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congressman Palmer, who also introduced a CRA resolution of disapproval for this same rule last week. These efforts call attention to the negative impact it will have on consumer choice and access to affordable appliances best suited for the needs of all American homes and businesses. We particularly thank the co-sponsors in the Senate including Senators Rick Scott, Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, Tim Sheehy, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, Tim Scott, Roger Wicker, and Jim Banks.”
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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