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".
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedWhat This Bill Does
This legislation uses a special congressional process — known as the Congressional Review Act — to cancel a rule that the Department of Energy had created regarding energy efficiency standards for gas-powered tankless (instantaneous) water heaters. These are the on-demand water heaters that heat water only when you need it, rather than storing it in a tank. The Department of Energy had issued regulations setting minimum energy efficiency requirements that manufacturers would have had to meet when producing these appliances. Congress voted to disapprove of — and effectively erase — those requirements, and the President signed the disapproval into law.
Who Is Affected
This measure primarily affects manufacturers of gas-fired tankless water heaters, who will no longer need to redesign or modify their products to meet the Energy Department's proposed efficiency standards. It also affects consumers who purchase these appliances, as well as builders and contractors who install them in homes and businesses. Supporters of canceling the rule generally argued it would have increased the upfront cost of water heaters or limited product choices, while those who favored the original rule believed it would have saved energy and reduced utility bills over time.
Key Takeaway
In practical terms, the gas-fired tankless water heater market will continue operating under the previous standards rather than the newer, stricter ones the Energy Department had proposed. Because this was passed under the Congressional Review Act, the Department of Energy is also restricted from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new authorization from Congress.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-6.
May 9, 2025
Sponsor
Committees
Legislative History
Became Public Law No: 119-6.
May 9, 2025Presented to President.
May 9, 2025Presented to President.
May 9, 2025Signed by President.
May 9, 2025Signed by President.
May 9, 2025Became Public Law No: 119-6.
May 9, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Apr 10, 2025Considered by Senate.
Apr 10, 2025Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 44. Record Vote Number: 207.
Apr 10, 2025Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 44. Record Vote Number: 207.
Apr 10, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 42. Record Vote Number: 206.
Apr 9, 2025Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2506)
Apr 9, 2025Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 17.
Mar 3, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Feb 27, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 53). (text: CR H884)
Feb 27, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb 27, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 53). (text: CR H884)
Feb 27, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 161. (consideration: CR H884-889)
Feb 27, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 35 and H. Con. Res. 14. The resolution provides for consideration of two joint resolutions, H.J.Res.20, under a closed rule and H.J.Res. 35, under a closed rule. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 14, under a closed rule. The joint resolutions are debated for one hour each and the concurrent resolution is debated for 3 hours.
Feb 27, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 20.
Feb 27, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 161 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 35 and H. Con. Res. 14. The resolution provides for consideration of two joint resolutions, H.J.Res.20, under a closed rule and H.J.Res. 35, under a closed rule. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 14, under a closed rule. The joint resolutions are debatable for one hour each and the concurrent resolution is debatable for 3 hours.
Feb 25, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jan 15, 2025Introduced in House
Jan 15, 2025Introduced in House
Jan 15, 2025