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 Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution is Congress's way of voting to block a rule created by the Department of Energy (DOE) that would set new energy efficiency standards for gas-powered tankless (or "instantaneous") water heaters — the kind that heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. The DOE issued this rule as part of its ongoing program to require consumer appliances to meet minimum energy-saving benchmarks. If the rule had gone into effect, manufacturers would have been required to meet stricter efficiency thresholds when designing and selling these water heaters.

By passing this resolution, Congress would formally reject and cancel that DOE rule before it takes full effect. This process is made possible by the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that gives Congress the power to overturn federal agency rules within a certain window of time. Both the House and Senate must pass the resolution, and the President must sign it, for the rule to be permanently blocked.

The people most directly affected would include manufacturers of gas tankless water heaters, businesses and homeowners who purchase them, and plumbers and contractors who install them. Supporters of blocking the rule often argue that stricter efficiency standards could raise appliance costs or limit consumer choices. Those who support the original DOE rule typically argue it would save energy and lower long-term utility bills. This resolution simply represents Congress's decision to have the final say on whether that rule stands.