FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Audrey Casey
Communications and Marketing Director
American Public Gas Association (APGA)
Email: acasey@apga.org
APGA Files Legal Brief in Challenge of DOE Rulemakings
Washington, D.C. (April 10, 2024) – Today, the American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing more than 700 local, municipally-owned natural gas systems across 38 states, issued the following statement announcing its filing of a legal brief that argues for the continued availability of natural gas appliances for millions of Americans nationwide.
“APGA is disappointed that the Department of Energy (DOE) has 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 members remain steadfast in their commitment to serving their communities with safe, affordable and reliable natural gas, and will continue to advocate for policies that protect consumer choice.”
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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.