Congressional Republicans are actively opposing President Biden's appliance regulations by introducing a resolution to bypass new energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. In December 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Biden administration finalized a rule implementing stricter climate standards for these appliances, set to take effect in February. This move, however, faces potential roadblocks from Republican lawmakers aiming to overturn it.
Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval against the DOE standards, a legislative tool used to nullify final rules enacted by federal agencies. If passed by the Republican-led Congress, this resolution would effectively overturn Biden's new green energy standard. Rep. Bice argues that the Biden administration has excessively regulated homes and businesses, and these new rules on widely used appliances like walk-in coolers and freezers place an undue burden on Americans while limiting consumer choice.
The DOE's justification for the amended standards is their potential for significant energy conservation, claiming they are both technologically feasible and economically justified. However, Rep. Bice views these regulations as government overreach, co-sponsoring the resolution with Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL). This action is part of a broader Republican effort to challenge Biden's green energy regulations on various household appliances, capitalizing on their unified control in Washington. Another example is Rep. Palmer's recent introduction of a resolution to block the DOE's ban on non-condensing, natural gas-fired water heaters by 2029.
President-elect Trump has stated his intention to reverse many environmental regulations implemented under Biden's climate agenda upon taking office.
