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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 24
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-7
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-7.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:43:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) aims to block a specific regulation issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) that sets new energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers—large refrigeration units commonly used in commercial settings like supermarkets and warehouses. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents it from being enforced, effectively stopping the DOE from implementing these standards.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: The resolution formally disapproves the DOE's rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers," published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 104616) on December 23, 2024.
- Nullification: The rule is declared to have no legal force or effect, meaning the new standards cannot be applied or enforced.
- Authority: This action is taken under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code), which allows Congress to review and overturn federal agency rules.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The resolution does not amend statutes but overrides a specific administrative rule, reverting to the previous energy conservation standards for these appliances (those in place before the disapproved update).
- It demonstrates Congress's ability to use the Congressional Review Act to directly intervene in executive branch regulations, potentially setting a precedent for similar actions on other DOE rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the DOE's authority to enforce updated energy efficiency rules, requiring the agency to pause or revise its regulatory efforts in this area, which could redirect resources to other priorities.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Commercial users (e.g., food retailers and restaurants) avoid immediate costs for upgrading to more efficient units, but may face higher long-term energy bills without the efficiency gains. Manufacturers are spared from redesigning products to meet the new standards, potentially reducing compliance expenses.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly affect U.S. alignment with global energy efficiency norms or trade in energy-efficient appliances.
- Broader Effects: Delays potential reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from these refrigeration systems, influencing environmental goals without immediate economic burdens on affected industries.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Energy (DOE): Loses the ability to implement the rule, impacting its role in promoting energy conservation.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: Companies producing walk-in coolers and freezers (e.g., in the refrigeration industry) benefit from avoiding new design and testing requirements.
- Commercial Businesses: Operators of stores, warehouses, and food service establishments that rely on these units gain short-term cost savings but may miss energy efficiency benefits.
- Consumers and Environment: Indirectly affected through unchanged energy costs and potentially higher overall energy consumption; environmental advocates may oppose the block due to lost conservation opportunities.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Reinforces legislative oversight, potentially saving public funds by halting regulatory enforcement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the Congressional Review Act, a tool enacted in 1996 to allow quick congressional reversal of agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission, ensuring it complies with procedural requirements without needing presidential approval (though a veto is possible).
- Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers by checking executive rulemaking, aligning with Congress's role in oversight under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, but could raise questions about the balance between legislative and administrative authority if frequently used.
- Political: As a joint resolution passed by both chambers, it reflects bipartisan or majority congressional intent to curb perceived overreach in energy regulations; it may signal broader debates on federal environmental policy without altering underlying laws like the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-7.
- 2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-7.
- 2025-05-09: Signed by President.
- 2025-05-09: Signed by President.
- 2025-05-05: Presented to President.
- 2025-05-05: Presented to President.
- 2025-04-07: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-04-03: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 42. Record Vote Number: 162. (Roll call 162)
- 2025-04-03: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 42. Record Vote Number: 162. (Roll call 162)
- 2025-04-03: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2144, S2147)
- 2025-04-02: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2138)
- 2025-04-02: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 161. (CR S2137-2138) (Roll call 161)
- 2025-03-31: Received in the Senate, read twice.
- 2025-03-27: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-03-27: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 203 - 182 (Roll no. 77). (text: CR H1307) (Roll call 77)
Bill Versions
- 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers". — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (4 pages)
- 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers". — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (1 pages)
- 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers". — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (2 pages)
- 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers". — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (2 pages)