Technical corrections only. The changes between v4 and v5 reflect the bill's progression from an enrolled joint resolution to Public Law 119-7, including the addition of the approval date and legislative history. No substantive policy changes were made.
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".
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 9, 2025
Bottom line
Congress has used its authority under the CRA to nullify new energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration units, effectively maintaining the status quo for manufacturers and operators of walk-in coolers and freezers and restricting future DOE action on this specific regulation.
What it actually does
This Joint Resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to formally disapprove a final rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. By doing so, the resolution nullifies the DOE's new standards, preventing them from taking effect, and imposes a restriction under the CRA that prohibits the DOE from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without specific congressional authorization.
Proponents argue
Supporters of the disapproval argue that the DOE's energy conservation standards impose undue regulatory burdens and costs on businesses, particularly small businesses, without sufficient energy savings to justify them. They contend that the standards would increase the cost of manufacturing and operating walk-in coolers and freezers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and reduced competitiveness for affected industries.
Opponents contend
Opponents of the disapproval (i.e., proponents of the original DOE rule) would argue that the energy conservation standards are crucial for reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills for businesses over the long term, and mitigating climate change. They would assert that the standards drive innovation in energy-efficient technologies and that the benefits of reduced energy waste outweigh any initial compliance costs.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding of its direct action.
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.
Disapproval of DOE Energy Conservation Rule for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
This provision formally rejects and nullifies a Department of Energy final rule that would have established new energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. By doing so, the resolution prevents these new standards from becoming law and ensures that the existing, less stringent standards remain in place. Furthermore, under the Congressional Review Act, the DOE is barred from reissuing a substantially similar rule in the future without explicit congressional authorization.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that preventing these new standards from taking effect protects businesses from burdensome regulations and excessive compliance costs, fostering economic growth and preventing potential price increases for consumers. They contend that the DOE's standards were overly aggressive and did not adequately consider the economic impact on manufacturers and end-users.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that disapproving the rule undermines efforts to promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and save businesses money on utility bills in the long run. They contend that the DOE's standards were carefully developed to achieve significant energy savings and that delaying or preventing their implementation is a setback for environmental protection and energy independence.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the immediate economic concerns of manufacturers and businesses regarding compliance costs against the long-term benefits of energy efficiency, such as reduced operating expenses, lower national energy consumption, and environmental protection. It highlights a tension between regulatory burden and public good.
While explicitly disapproving the rule, the resolution implicitly invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which has a significant additional consequence: it prohibits the agency from reissuing a "substantially similar" rule in the future without specific statutory authorization from Congress.
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.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for CRA resolutions; the full implications of the CRA are understood by those familiar with the process and are not typically spelled out in the resolution itself. It relies on external legal context rather than being explicitly evasive.
Case for: Supporters of the CRA's "substantially similar" clause argue it prevents agencies from simply reissuing disapproved rules with minor tweaks, thereby upholding congressional intent and preventing executive overreach by ensuring that Congress's disapproval has lasting effect.
Case against: Critics argue that the "substantially similar" clause is overly broad and can stifle legitimate regulatory updates or responses to new information, effectively creating a permanent ban on certain types of regulations without explicit legislative action, even if circumstances change.
Estimated impact: This clause has a significant, long-term impact on the DOE's ability to regulate energy efficiency for walk-in coolers and freezers, potentially for decades, without new legislation from Congress.