A 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment".
- Sponsor
- Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2025
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to block a Department of Energy rule that would impose new energy efficiency standards, effectively maintaining the status quo for appliance certification, labeling, and enforcement.
What it actually does
This joint resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a final rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning energy conservation standards for certain consumer products and commercial equipment. If enacted, the DOE rule, published on October 9, 2024, would have no legal force or effect, preventing its implementation and also restricting the agency from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new congressional authorization.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the DOE rule imposes burdensome and unnecessary regulations on manufacturers and consumers, potentially increasing costs for appliances and limiting consumer choice without significant energy savings. They contend that the rule oversteps federal authority and interferes with market dynamics, and that congressional disapproval is necessary to prevent economic harm and regulatory overreach.
Opponents contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., proponents of the DOE rule) would argue that the rule is essential for promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and saving consumers money on utility bills over the long term. They would assert that the standards are based on sound science and economic analysis, driving innovation in the appliance industry and contributing to national energy security and environmental goals.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its direct action.
Section 1
Congressional Disapproval of DOE Appliance Standards Rule
This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the Department of Energy's rule titled "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment," which was published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2024. As a result of this disapproval, the specified DOE rule would be rendered null and void, meaning it would not take effect and could not be reissued by the agency in substantially the same form without new congressional authorization.
Supporters argue
Proponents of the resolution argue that this provision is a necessary check on executive agency overreach, preventing the imposition of costly and potentially ineffective regulations on the appliance industry. They contend that it protects consumer choice and prevents price increases that might result from manufacturers needing to comply with new, stricter standards.
Critics contend
Opponents of the resolution (proponents of the DOE rule) would argue that nullifying the rule undermines efforts to promote energy efficiency, reduce household utility costs over time, and combat climate change. They would assert that the standards are designed to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, and that congressional disapproval hinders progress towards these goals.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between regulatory burden on industry and the pursuit of energy efficiency and environmental goals. it also highlights the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches regarding rulemaking authority.
The reference to 'chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code' invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
Section 1
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for CRA resolutions, which are typically brief and refer to the underlying statute. It is not evasive but requires external knowledge of the CRA to understand the full impact.
Case for: Using the CRA provides a streamlined legislative mechanism for Congress to overturn executive agency rules, ensuring accountability and allowing for a direct legislative check on regulatory actions deemed excessive or inappropriate by a majority in Congress.
Case against: Critics of CRA use argue that it can be a blunt instrument, nullifying entire rules rather than allowing for targeted amendments, and that it can create regulatory uncertainty by overturning carefully developed agency expertise with a simple majority vote.
Estimated impact: If enacted, this provision would permanently prevent the Department of Energy from reissuing a substantially similar rule without specific congressional authorization, beyond just nullifying the immediate rule.