US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SJR4

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.

Impact

The passage of SJR4 would have significant implications for state and federal energy regulations, particularly in how energy efficiency standards are applied in the consumer market. By disapproving the DOE's standard, the bill aims to keep existing regulations in place, which some believe may hinder progress towards greater environmental sustainability. The resolution may also serve as a signal that Congress prioritizes business interests over increased regulatory measures that could potentially elevate consumer costs.

Summary

SJR4 is a joint resolution aimed at nullifying a specific rule set by the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. Introduced in the Senate, this resolution reflects congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, effectively eliminating the updated energy standards proposed by the DOE on December 26, 2024. The original rule sought to enhance energy efficiency for these appliances, which proponents argue is necessary for promoting sustainable energy practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR4 is divided among stakeholders, with business interests typically supporting the disapproval as a means of preventing potentially onerous standards that could increase operational costs. Opponents of the bill, including environmental advocates, argue that maintaining strict energy efficiency standards is crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This tension highlights the ongoing debate between economic growth and environmental responsibility in legislative discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance of power between regulatory agencies and Congress, particularly regarding the authority of the DOE to set energy standards without direct congressional approval. Proponents of SJR4 contend that the legislative branch should play a more active role in the regulatory process, while critics warn that such disapprovals may lead to regulatory uncertainty and undermine the progress made towards energy conservation goals.

Congress_id

119-SJRES-4

Policy_area

Energy

Introduced_date

2025-01-23

Companion Bills

US HJR20

Related bill 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".

Previously Filed As

US HJR20

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".

US HJR15

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Water Heating Equipment, which was submitted by the Department of Energy on October 6, 2023. The rule adopts more stringent energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act in order to achieve more energy savings.

US HR161

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) 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"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions"; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

US HJR24

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".

US HJR75

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".

US SJR44

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".

US HR242

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) 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"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.

US HR1075

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4626) to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing any new or amended energy conservation standard for a product that is not technologically feasible and economically justified, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4758) to repeal provisions of Public Law 117-169 relating to taxpayer subsidies for home electrification, and for other purposes.

US SJR50

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

US HJR42

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".

Similar Bills

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