Bill Summary
The Joint Resolution is a legislative measure through which the United States Congress expresses its disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy. This rule pertains to the "Energy Conservation Program" and sets energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. Through this resolution, Congress formally rejects the rule that was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2024, and states that the rule will have no legal effect. This action is taken under the procedures outlined in Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to disapprove certain agency rules.
Possible Impacts
The Joint Resolution disapproving the Department of Energy's rule on energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Energy Costs for Businesses**: By disapproving the energy conservation standards, businesses that rely on walk-in coolers and freezers might not have to upgrade to more energy-efficient models. However, this could lead to higher long-term operational costs due to increased energy consumption, ultimately affecting their profitability and pricing for consumers.
2. **Environmental Impact**: The disapproval of the energy conservation standards could result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, as older, less efficient refrigeration systems remain in use longer. This could contribute to climate change and negatively impact public health and safety, especially in communities that are already vulnerable to environmental degradation.
3. **Market Competition and Innovation**: The decision to disapprove the rule may discourage manufacturers from investing in innovative energy-efficient technologies for walk-in coolers and freezers. This could limit competition in the market, reducing the availability of cutting-edge products for consumers, and stifling advancements that could benefit both businesses and the environment in the long run.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 24 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.J.Res.24
One Hundred Nineteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Friday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-five
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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy
Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers
and Walk-In Freezers'' (89 Fed. Reg. 104616 (December 23, 2024)), and
such rule shall have no force or effect.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.