Congress Moves to Disapprove New Energy Standards for Commercial Refrigeration
A significant legislative action is underway as the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a joint resolution, H.J. Res. 75, aiming to overturn new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Published by GovInfo.gov on May 15, 2025, at 7:38 PM, this resolution signifies a direct challenge from Congress to a rule proposed by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) within the Department of Energy.
The core of this legislative effort lies in the use of Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, commonly known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA). This act grants Congress the authority to review, by joint resolution, newly enacted agency rules and to disapprove of them if they find them to be contrary to the public interest or an overreach of executive authority.
The specific rule in question from the Department of Energy’s EERE is designed to establish new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. Such standards typically aim to reduce energy consumption, thereby contributing to energy savings for businesses and potentially lowering operational costs. They are often developed with the intent of promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of these appliances.
However, H.J. Res. 75 indicates that a significant portion of Congress believes these proposed standards may have unintended consequences or are not appropriately crafted. The specific reasons for this disapproval will likely be detailed within the resolution itself and in accompanying committee reports. Common concerns raised during the review of such regulations can include:
- Economic Impact: Concerns that the new standards might impose excessive costs on manufacturers, leading to higher product prices for businesses, or that they may be too stringent to be met by current technologies without significant investment.
- Feasibility and Technology: Questions about whether the proposed energy efficiency levels are achievable with existing or readily available commercial refrigeration technology.
- Impact on Small Businesses: Worries that smaller manufacturers might struggle more than larger ones to adapt to new, potentially more complex, production requirements.
- Effectiveness of the Rule: Doubts about whether the proposed standards will, in practice, deliver the intended energy savings or environmental benefits without creating other significant drawbacks.
The introduction of H.J. Res. 75 marks the beginning of a formal congressional review process. The resolution will likely be referred to relevant committees, such as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on the Judiciary, for consideration. Public hearings and debates are expected to follow, allowing for input from industry stakeholders, government officials, and consumer advocates.
If H.J. Res. 75 successfully passes both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and is subsequently signed by the President, it would nullify the Department of Energy’s proposed rule concerning energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. If the President vetoes the joint resolution, Congress would need to pass it again by a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override the veto.
This legislative action highlights the ongoing dialogue and potential tension between executive branch agencies setting environmental and energy efficiency regulations and the legislative branch’s oversight role in ensuring these regulations are well-reasoned and beneficial to the nation. The outcome of H.J. Res. 75 will be closely watched by manufacturers, business owners, and those concerned with energy policy and environmental stewardship.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemin i.
www.govinfo.gov published ‘H.J. Res. 75 (ENR) – 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.’ at 2025-05-15 19:38. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.