NE Washington News

The House of Representatives has passed H.J. Res. 42, a resolution aimed at overturning a rule by the Biden-Harris Administration that imposes additional costs on appliance manufacturers and consumers. The vote concluded with 222 in favor and 203 against.

Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, expressed their approval following the decision. "The passage of H.J. Res. 42 is another important step toward keeping our commitment to lower prices for American families," they stated. They criticized the Department of Energy's energy efficiency standards for reducing consumer choice and increasing product costs.

Speaker Johnson also commented on the legislative action, emphasizing its significance in protecting American workers and businesses from what he described as restrictive regulations by the Biden Administration. "House Republicans passed legislation to remove the Biden Administration’s handcuffs on American energy and protect American workers, consumers, and businesses," he said.

H.J.Res.42 addresses congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, targeting a rule submitted by the Department of Energy concerning energy conservation program standards for appliances. This rule includes new certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions affecting products such as dishwashers, central air conditioning units, heat pumps, and clothes washers.

The Department of Energy estimates that these requirements would increase annual costs by $213,000 for manufacturers and add approximately 2,905 hours of paperwork annually.