5 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PUBLIC LAWcompared with ENROLLED BILL

Technical corrections only. The changes in v5 reflect the bill's progression from an enrolled bill (v4) to a public law, adding the public law number, approval date, and legislative history. No substantive policy changes were made to the resolution itself.

H.J.Res. 75119th CongressIntroduced Mar 10, 2025

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".

Became Public LawEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Goldman, Craig [R-TX-12]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: May 9, 2025

Bottom line

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Energy rule establishing new energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, preventing its implementation.

What it actually does

This joint resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. The disapproved rule pertains to new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers, which was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025. As a result of this congressional disapproval, the specified rule will have no force or effect.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that the Department of Energy's rule imposed overly burdensome and costly energy efficiency standards on manufacturers and businesses, potentially limiting consumer choice and increasing prices for commercial refrigeration equipment without sufficient environmental benefits. They contend that this disapproval protects businesses from unnecessary regulatory burdens and allows for market-driven innovation.

Opponents contend

Opponents would argue that the Department of Energy's rule was designed to promote energy efficiency, reduce overall energy consumption, lower utility bills for businesses over the long term, and mitigate environmental impact. They would contend that disapproving this rule undermines efforts to combat climate change and encourages the continued use of less efficient appliances, leading to higher energy waste.

The bill text is extremely short and direct, allowing ample time for a comprehensive understanding of its singular purpose.

Section 1

Congressional Disapproval of DOE Energy Conservation Standards Rule

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy, titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers." This rule was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 7464). By disapproving this rule, the joint resolution ensures that the specified energy conservation standards will not take effect and will have no legal force.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupManufacturers of commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezersImpactRelieved of new regulatory compliance burdens and the need to redesign products to meet higher energy efficiency standards.MechanismNullification of the Department of Energy rule.ScaleIndustry-wide

GroupBusinesses that purchase commercial refrigeration equipmentImpactMay have access to a wider range of products, potentially including less expensive, less energy-efficient options, but may incur higher long-term operating costs.MechanismAbsence of new energy efficiency standards.ScaleNational

GroupEnergy consumers and the environmentImpactPotential for higher overall energy consumption and associated environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions) compared to if the rule had taken effect.MechanismLess energy-efficient appliances remain on the market.ScaleNational

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that nullifying the rule prevents undue financial strain on manufacturers who would have to redesign products and on businesses that would face higher upfront costs for new equipment, potentially stifling innovation and competition in the commercial refrigeration market.

Critics contend

Opponents contend that the rule's disapproval will lead to increased energy waste, higher long-term operating costs for businesses due to less efficient equipment, and greater greenhouse gas emissions, thereby undermining federal efforts to promote energy efficiency and combat climate change.

Tradeoffs

The provision navigates the tension between reducing immediate regulatory burdens and costs for industry and businesses versus achieving long-term energy efficiency goals, reduced operational expenses, and environmental protection.

FOUND

The bill utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Department of Energy rule. A key implication of the CRA, not explicitly stated in the resolution itself, is that once Congress disapproves a rule, the agency is generally prohibited from issuing a "substantially similar" rule in the future without specific statutory authorization.

Preamble, referencing "chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code"

Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for referencing existing law. The full implications of the CRA are understood by those familiar with legislative process, but not necessarily by the general public.

Case for: Proponents of using the CRA argue it is a vital tool for congressional oversight, allowing elected representatives to check executive agency overreach and prevent burdensome regulations from taking effect, ensuring accountability.

Case against: Critics of the CRA argue that its "substantially similar" provision can create a chilling effect on agency rulemaking, making it difficult for agencies to adapt to new information or circumstances, and effectively locking in older, less efficient standards for an extended period.

Estimated impact: The impact extends beyond just this specific rule, potentially affecting future regulatory actions by the Department of Energy regarding commercial refrigeration standards by limiting its ability to issue new rules on the topic without further congressional action.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.