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 Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 44
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T15:51:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 44) aims to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Congressional Review Act (a law that allows Congress to review and potentially overturn federal agency regulations). The rule in question sets new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers to improve energy efficiency.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the DOE rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers," published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 7464).
- Nullification: If passed, the resolution renders the rule ineffective, meaning it cannot be enforced and has no legal force.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend broader laws but directly overrides a recent DOE regulation. It prevents the implementation of updated energy efficiency standards that would have required commercial refrigeration equipment to use less energy starting from a future compliance date (not specified in the resolution but implied in the original rule).
- Under the Congressional Review Act, this disapproval also bars the DOE from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new congressional authorization.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the DOE's ability to enforce energy efficiency mandates in this sector, potentially reducing its regulatory scope on appliance standards.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Businesses (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores) may avoid higher upfront costs for compliant equipment but could face ongoing higher energy bills without efficiency improvements. Consumers might see indirect effects through stable or higher food prices if energy savings are not realized.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, though it could subtly affect U.S. commitments to global energy efficiency goals under agreements like the Paris Accord by slowing domestic progress on reducing energy use.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Energy (DOE): Loses authority to implement the rule, affecting its energy conservation programs.
- Manufacturers of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: Avoids redesign costs and compliance burdens but may delay innovation in energy-efficient products.
- Businesses and Retailers: Primarily those in food service, retail, and hospitality sectors that rely on this equipment; they benefit from no new standards but miss potential long-term energy cost savings.
- Environmental and Consumer Groups: Could oppose the resolution, as it hinders efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- General Public: Indirectly affected through energy use patterns and environmental outcomes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), a streamlined process for Congress to veto agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission, requiring only a simple majority in both chambers and presidential signature (or veto override). Success would set a precedent for challenging DOE appliance standards.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the separation of powers by allowing Congress to check executive branch regulations, upholding legislative oversight without needing new legislation.
- Political: Introduced by Senators Moody (R) and Ernst (R) on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; it reflects partisan efforts to curb federal regulations perceived as burdensome to industry, potentially sparking debates on balancing environmental goals with economic costs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-27: 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 Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers. — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)