US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SJR44

Introduced
3/27/25  

Caption

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".

Impact

If passed, SJR44 would effectively nullify the energy conservation standards recently implemented by the Department of Energy. Proponents of the bill argue that these regulatory standards impose unnecessary burdens on businesses that manufacture or utilize commercial refrigeration equipment, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and businesses alike. By disapproving the rule, SJR44 supporters contend that they are protecting industry interests and ensuring economic viability without the constraints of federal oversight.

Summary

SJR44 is a joint resolution introduced in the 119th Congress that aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the Department of Energy regarding energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. The resolution operates under the authority of chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to disapprove certain agency rules by enacting a joint resolution. The rule in question pertains to energy efficiency requirements that commercial appliances must meet in order to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

Contention

Opponents of SJR44 raise concerns about the potential negative impacts on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They argue that the Department of Energy’s standards are essential for reducing energy consumption in commercial settings and mitigating climate change implications. Critics of the resolution fear that disapproving the energy conservation standards may lead to a regression in energy-efficient practices, which could ultimately harm consumers through higher operating costs and lost opportunities for energy savings. The debate also reflects a broader conflict between regulatory oversight and industry autonomy.

Congress_id

119-SJRES-44

Policy_area

Energy

Introduced_date

2025-03-27

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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".

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 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 SJR152

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology.

US HR177

This resolution provides for the House of Representatives to consider the following measures:H.J. Res.42, 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; H.J. Res. 61, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing; andS.J. Res. 11, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources.Under the resolution, all points of order against consideration of each measure are waived; the measures shall be considered as read; and all points of order against provisions in the measures are waived. The resolution further provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on each measure (and any amendment thereto) to final passage without intervening motion except one hour of debate and one motion to recommit.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.