Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution that expresses Congress's disapproval of a rule issued by the Department of Energy regarding energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment. Specifically, it targets a final rule published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2023. By passing this resolution, Congress asserts that the rule will not be enforced and has no legal effect. This action is taken under the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to overturn certain regulatory actions taken by federal agencies.
Possible Impacts
The congressional disapproval of the rule regarding energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Increased Energy Costs for Businesses**: Without the enforcement of the new energy conservation standards, commercial facilities that rely on water heating may continue to use older, less efficient equipment. This could lead to higher energy consumption and, consequently, increased utility bills for businesses, impacting their operating costs and financial sustainability.
2. **Environmental Impact**: The disapproval of stricter energy standards may hinder progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency. As commercial water heating equipment often contributes significantly to energy use in buildings, maintaining outdated standards could lead to higher overall energy demand, thereby exacerbating environmental issues related to climate change.
3. **Market Competitiveness**: The absence of updated energy standards may affect the competitive landscape in the water heating equipment market. Manufacturers who invest in developing energy-efficient products might find it challenging to compete with less efficient alternatives that do not have to meet stricter regulations. This could stall innovation in energy-efficient technologies, affecting job growth in the renewable energy sector and delaying the transition to more sustainable practices.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 15 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. J. RES. 15
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Commercial Water Heating Equipment''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 9, 2025
Mr. Messmer submitted the following joint resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Commercial Water Heating Equipment''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
final rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy
Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial
Water Heating Equipment'' (88 Fed. Reg. 69686 (October 6, 2023)), and
such rule shall have no force or effect.
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