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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment".

Bill Number: H.J.Res. 42
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Became Law
Became Law: Public Law 119-8
Latest Action: 2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-8.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T15:43:35Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to review and potentially overturn federal agency rules) to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE). The goal is to prevent the rule from taking effect, thereby blocking new federal requirements on how certain appliances and equipment are certified, labeled, and enforced for energy efficiency.

Key Provisions

Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the DOE rule titled "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment," published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 81994).
Nullification: The rule is declared to have no legal force or effect, meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced by the DOE.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend statutes but overrides an administrative rule under the existing Energy Policy and Conservation Act (which authorizes DOE to set energy efficiency standards). It reverses the DOE's attempt to update certification (verifying compliance with standards), labeling (informing consumers about energy use), and enforcement (penalties for non-compliance) processes for appliances like refrigerators and commercial equipment like air conditioners.
No broader changes to underlying laws; it simply blocks this specific regulatory update.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The DOE loses authority to enforce the new rule, potentially delaying or altering future energy efficiency initiatives. This could reduce administrative burdens on the agency but limit its tools for promoting energy savings.
On Citizens: Consumers may face fewer standardized energy labels on products, potentially making it harder to choose energy-efficient appliances and leading to higher long-term energy costs. It could also affect household energy bills indirectly by slowing efficiency improvements.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it might influence U.S. alignment with global energy efficiency standards (e.g., those from international bodies like the International Energy Agency), potentially affecting trade in appliances.
Overall, it maintains the status quo on current regulations, avoiding new compliance costs estimated in the original rule (which projected minor increases for manufacturers but long-term energy savings for users).

Main Stakeholders Affected

Department of Energy (DOE): Directly impacted as the rule's issuer; enforcement efforts are halted.
Appliance Manufacturers and Commercial Equipment Producers: Relieved of new certification, labeling, and reporting requirements, reducing compliance costs (e.g., paperwork and testing for products like washing machines or HVAC systems).
Consumers and Retailers: Affected by the absence of updated energy information on products, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and energy use.
Environmental and Energy Advocacy Groups: May oppose the disapproval, as it could slow progress on reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Congress and Taxpayers: Reinforces congressional oversight of executive branch regulations, potentially saving government resources on enforcement.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code (Congressional Review Act), a streamlined process for Congress to veto agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission. Once passed and signed (or not vetoed), the rule cannot be reissued in substantially similar form without new congressional approval.
Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, with Congress checking executive agency actions (DOE operates under the executive branch). It upholds Article I's legislative authority over regulations derived from statutes.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan or majority congressional intent to limit regulatory expansion in energy policy, possibly reflecting debates over federal overreach, economic burdens on industry, or priorities in the 119th Congress (starting in 2025). It sets a precedent for using the CRA, which has been employed over 20 times since 1996, often along partisan lines.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]

Recent Actions

2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-8.
2025-05-09: Became Public Law No: 119-8.
2025-05-09: Signed by President.
2025-05-09: Signed by President.
2025-05-06: Presented to President.
2025-05-06: Presented to President.
2025-05-01: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-04-30: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 223. (Roll call 223)
2025-04-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 223. (Roll call 223)
2025-04-30: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2680-2683)
2025-04-29: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2644)
2025-04-29: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 222. (CR S2644) (Roll call 222)
2025-03-06: Received in the Senate, read twice.
2025-03-05: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-03-05: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 203 (Roll no. 59). (text: CR H991) (Roll call 59)

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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment". — issued 2025-03-05 — 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment". — issued 2025-05-06 — 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment". — issued 2025-02-12 — 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment". — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (2 pages)