Chairman Guthrie Applauds Signing of Legislation to Stop Harmful Regulations on Small Businesses and American Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 24, H.J. Res. 42, and H.J. Res.75 into law. These resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act rescind Biden-Harris Administration rules that would have created costly and unnecessary burdens on American families and businesses. “ These resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act are a critical part of our work to eliminate the costly and burdensome regulations that failed to serve the best interests of American families and businesses,” said Chairman Guthrie. “From increasing the costs of refrigeration equipment used by small businesses to regulating reporting requirements for appliance manufacturers to banning gas-fired water heaters, the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to impose a far-left agenda that put Green New Deal-style policies ahead of the American people. Thank you to President Trump for reversing these regulations and to Chairman Palmer and Congressman Goldman for your leadership on these important issues.” Background: H.J. Res. 20, sponsored by Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06): In December 2024, during President Biden’s final weeks in office, the DOE issued a final rule setting a new energy efficiency standard that will significantly increase the cost of gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. While the Biden-Harris DOE estimated that the rule would add $231 to the cost of the new model, industry leaders estimated a cost increase of $450-$665 per unit. 40% of customers directly impacted by the rule would have seen a net cost increase from this rule. H.J. Res. 24, introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05): In October 2024, the Biden-Harris DOE finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment. The Biden DOE estimated these requirements would increase annual costs by over $200,000 for manufacturers and result in nearly 3,000 hours of additional paperwork for companies. This final rule amended or created new certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central air conditioning and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more. H.J. Res. 42, sponsored by Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09): In October 2024, the Biden-Harris DOE finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment. The Biden DOE estimated these requirements would increase annual costs by over $200,000 for manufacturers and result in nearly 3,000 hours of additional paperwork for companies. This final rule amended or created new certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central air conditioning and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more. Failing to repeal these harmful certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements would have solidified the disastrous standards promulgated under the last administration. H.J. Res. 75, sponsored by Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12): On January 21, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) finalized new energy conservation standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers, more commonly referred to as Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (CRE). The standards for Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers would have required massive energy reductions that would have led to higher costs and jeopardized the safety of food for Americans. The Biden-Harris Department of Energy itself estimated that at least one standard would have a payback period of more than 90 years, clearly demonstrating the absurdity of the regulation. ###