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".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 4
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-12: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 12.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 4) aims to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) that sets new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. It uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that lets Congress quickly overturn certain federal agency rules, to prevent the rule from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the DOE rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters," published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 105188).
- Nullification: If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, meaning the new standards would not be implemented.
- Legislative Process: Introduced on January 23, 2025, by Senator Cruz and co-sponsors; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On February 12, 2025, the committee was discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c), allowing it to bypass further committee review and be placed on the Senate calendar.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend existing laws but invokes the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) to override an administrative rule. Without this action, the DOE rule would have added stricter energy efficiency requirements to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which already mandates periodic updates to appliance standards. By disapproving it, the resolution maintains the status quo of prior standards.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOE would lose authority to enforce this particular rule, potentially limiting its ability to regulate energy use in household appliances under current standards. It could set a precedent for future congressional overrides of agency actions.
- On Citizens: Consumers might continue using water heaters without the new efficiency mandates, possibly leading to higher natural gas consumption and energy bills over time, though it avoids potential upfront costs of upgrading to compliant models.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this focuses on domestic energy standards; however, it could indirectly affect U.S. alignment with global energy efficiency goals, such as those in international climate agreements.
- Broader Effects: Delays or prevents tighter controls on gas usage, which might influence household energy costs and environmental outcomes like reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Energy (DOE): Directly challenged, as its regulatory authority is overridden.
- Water Heater Manufacturers and Retailers: Benefit from avoiding the need to redesign or certify products to meet new standards, potentially reducing compliance costs.
- Consumers: Homeowners and builders who rely on gas-fired instantaneous water heaters (tankless models that heat water on demand); they may face no immediate changes but could see long-term effects on energy efficiency and costs.
- Environmental and Energy Advocacy Groups: Opposed, as the rule aimed to promote conservation; groups favoring fossil fuel use might support the disapproval.
- Natural Gas Industry: Likely supportive, as it preserves demand for gas appliances without added efficiency hurdles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA, which requires simple majorities in both chambers and the president's signature (or veto override) for approval. If enacted, it permanently bars the DOE from issuing a "substantially similar" rule without new congressional authorization, strengthening legislative checks on executive agencies.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight role under Article I (legislative power), countering potential executive overreach in rulemaking, though critics might argue it disrupts established administrative processes.
- Political: Introduced by a group of Republican senators, it reflects partisan efforts to roll back regulations from the prior administration. Passage could signal broader congressional intent to review or repeal other DOE rules, influencing energy policy debates in the 119th Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-12: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 12.
- 2025-02-12: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-02-12: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-01-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-23: Introduced in Senate
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 Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters. — issued 2025-01-23 — 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 Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters. — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (4 pages)