Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives that disapproves a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy regarding energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. The rule in question was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025. By enacting this resolution, Congress effectively nullifies the rule, meaning it will not be implemented or enforced. This action reflects Congress's authority under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code to review and reject certain regulatory actions taken by federal agencies.
Possible Impacts
The joint resolution disapproving the Department of Energy's energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration could have various effects on different stakeholders. Here are three examples:
1. **Impact on Energy Efficiency**: By disapproving the energy conservation standards, commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers may continue to operate with less efficient technology. This could lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility costs for businesses that rely on these appliances, ultimately affecting their operational expenses and profitability.
2. **Environmental Consequences**: The disapproval may hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices. Without stricter energy efficiency standards, the continued use of outdated refrigeration technology could contribute to higher energy demands and associated environmental impacts, such as increased carbon emissions, which could affect climate change efforts.
3. **Market Dynamics**: Manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment may feel less pressure to innovate or improve the energy efficiency of their products if the standards are not enforced. This could lead to stagnation in technological advancements, limiting consumer choices and potentially disadvantaging businesses looking for more energy-efficient options that could reduce their costs and environmental footprint in the long run.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 44 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 44
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 Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-
Freezers''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 27, 2025
Mrs. Moody (for herself and Ms. Ernst) introduced the following joint
resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
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 Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-
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 Commercial
Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers'' (90 Fed. Reg. 7464
(January 21, 2025)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.
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