# Plain Language Summary: Water Heater Efficiency Standards Disapproval

Congress is voting to reject a new rule from the Department of Energy that would require gas-fired instant water heaters to meet stricter energy efficiency standards. Think of it this way: the Department of Energy created new rules saying these water heaters would have to waste less energy and work more efficiently. This bill is Congress saying "we don't want that rule to happen."

If this bill passes, the new efficiency standards won't go into effect. That means manufacturers won't be required to make their instant gas water heaters more efficient, and you'd continue to see the same types of water heaters on the market that exist today. The practical effect is that these appliances might continue using more energy than they would under the stricter standards, which could mean higher utility bills for people who use them and more energy consumption overall.

This is part of a broader congressional power called the "Congressional Review Act" that lets Congress block regulations they disagree with. Supporters of blocking this rule likely argue that stricter efficiency standards could increase the cost of water heaters or create other burdens on manufacturers. Those who oppose blocking it would argue that more efficient water heaters save consumers money over time through lower energy bills and are better for the environment. The bill essentially lets Congress override the Department of Energy's decision about how efficient these appliances should be.

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: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

Cruz, Ted

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled <em>Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters </em>and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.</p>