**House Rejects New Energy Rules for Water Heaters, Keeping Older Models Available**

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about 2 months ago - Politics

House Passes Resolution to Ignore New Energy Rules for Water Heaters

In a recent vote, the House of Representatives decided to reject new energy-saving rules for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The resolution, known as H.J. Res. 20, was mostly supported by House Republicans who believed that these new energy standards could lead to higher costs for consumers and limit their choices when purchasing water heaters.

By passing this resolution, Congress will block the new rules set by the Department of Energy, which aimed to make these appliances more energy-efficient. Instead of enforcing stricter energy-saving requirements, homeowners can continue using older models without having to buy new water heaters that meet the tougher standards.

This decision is important because it affects everyday people who use gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. Families can expect to keep more money in their pockets since they won’t be pressured to buy new, potentially more expensive heaters. It also means they will have more options available when choosing which appliances to purchase.

Overall, the House voted to keep things as they are, helping to maintain lower prices and a wider selection of water heaters for consumers.

This is a resolution that stops new rules about water heaters.

  1. Congress does not agree with the rules made by the Department of Energy about energy standards for gas water heaters.
  2. The rules would have made changes that Congress thinks are not good.
  3. Because of this decision, the rules will not be used or enforced.

This will affect how gas water heaters are sold and used, keeping the previous standards in place.

419 votes

Yes

221

No

198

Not Voting

12

  1. Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2506: 2)
  2. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 42. Record Vote Number: 206.
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  3. Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 17.
  4. Placed on Calendar Senate

    This is a plan that stops new rules made by the Department of Energy about energy-saving standards for gas water heaters.

    Key Points:

    • Congress does not agree with the new rule from the Department of Energy that sets energy conservation standards for gas water heaters.
    • This rule was published on December 26, 2024, but Congress has decided that it will not be enforced.
    • The House of Representatives passed this decision on February 27, 2025.

    Supporting Details:

    • The decision is formalized in a joint resolution by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
    • The rule will have no power or effect if Congress disapproves it.

    This means that if you use gas water heaters, the current standards will stay the same, and any new rules will not change how they work or save energy.

  5. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  6. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 53). (text: CR H884)
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  7. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 53). (text: CR H884)
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  8. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  9. DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 20.
  10. 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 debated for one hour each and the concurrent resolution is debated for 3 hours.
  11. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 161. (consideration: CR H884-889)
  12. Engrossed in House

    This is a joint resolution that stops new rules about energy-saving standards for gas water heaters.

    1. Congress disapproves a rule made by the Department of Energy about how gas water heaters should save energy.
    2. This rule will not be enforced or take effect.
    3. The House of Representatives passed this resolution on February 27, 2025.

    This means there will be no new energy-saving rules for these water heaters, which could affect how energy is used in homes.

  13. Rules 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.
  14. Introduced in House

    This is a resolution that stops new rules about water heaters.

    1. Congress does not agree with the rules made by the Department of Energy about energy standards for gas water heaters.
    2. The rules would have made changes that Congress thinks are not good.
    3. Because of this decision, the rules will not be used or enforced.

    This will affect how gas water heaters are sold and used, keeping the previous standards in place.

  15. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  16. Introduced in House