U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has introduced a joint resolution of disapproval aimed at overturning a Biden-era administration rule by the Department of Energy (DOE) that would effectively ban certain natural gas water heaters.
The resolution, backed by several Republican lawmakers, seeks to prevent what they argue is government overreach that would limit consumer choice and increase costs for American households.
In a statement upon introducing the resolution, Sen. Cruz criticized the Biden administration’s push to regulate household appliances under the guise of climate policy.
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“Once again, Democrats are waging a war on household appliances under the guise of combating climate change,” said Cruz. “This rule, rushed through by the Biden administration in its final days, does more harm than good. It forces American families to choose between costly, high-end models or less efficient alternatives—limiting their options and undermining their freedom of choice. American families deserve access to affordable, reliable appliances without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.”
The resolution has garnered support from several Republican senators, including Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.).
The DOE regulation, if not repealed, would remove approximately 40% of the existing market for tankless gas water heaters and force consumers to pay an estimated $450 more for alternative models that comply with new efficiency standards. The rule mandates that all new tankless gas water heaters must use 13% less energy than the least efficient comparable models currently available.
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The ban is set to take effect on March 11, 2025, with restrictions on sales beginning in 2029.
Senator Cruz’s resolution has received strong backing from several industry and consumer advocacy groups that argue the rule will drive up costs and limit choices for consumers. Supporters of the resolution include:
- American Public Gas Association (APGA)
- National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
- American Energy Alliance (AEA)
- American Gas Association (AGA)
- Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
- Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)
- National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)
- U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA)
- Western Energy Alliance (WEA)
- Rinnai America
- Americans for Prosperity (AFP)
Senator Cruz and his Republican colleagues argue that the rule is an unnecessary burden on American consumers and businesses, particularly at a time when inflation and energy costs remain high. They contend that federal overreach into the energy sector threatens economic growth and consumer choice.
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“Families are already struggling with higher costs for energy and home essentials,” said Senator Bill Cassidy. “This is yet another misguided policy that will disproportionately affect hardworking Americans.”
Both chambers of Congress will now consider the joint resolution introduced under the Congressional Review Act. If passed, it would nullify the DOE regulation and prevent similar rules from being enacted in the future without congressional approval.
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