Us Congress House Bill HJR189

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/18/24
• Refer: 7/18/24

Caption

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 Air-Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps".

Impact

If enacted, HJR189 would invalidate the Department of Energy's proposed standards, which are designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning systems. The disapproval of such regulations could lead to increased energy consumption and emissions, as manufacturers might not be compelled to meet the higher efficiency levels initially set by the Department. This potential rollback of energy conservation mandates could have broader implications for national energy policies and climate change initiatives.

Summary

HJR189 is a congressional joint resolution aiming to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Department of Energy concerning energy conservation standards for air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps. This resolution, submitted by Mr. Palmer on July 18, 2024, underscores Congress's authority to review and reject rules established by federal agencies, particularly in the context of energy efficiency standards that can have substantial economic and regulatory implications.

Contention

The proposal may encounter contention among various stakeholders. Supporters of the disapproval argue that the rules may impose undue burdens on manufacturers and potentially raise costs for consumers by limiting available options or mandating expensive upgrades. Conversely, opponents of HJR189 argue that maintaining robust energy efficiency standards is crucial for environmental sustainability and long-term cost savings for consumers. They assert that these standards play a vital role in reducing energy waste and promoting the development of more efficient technologies.