**Congress Blocks Energy-Saving Rules for Walk-In Coolers, Aiding Business Owners**

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senate

16 days ago - Politics

Congress Blocks New Energy-Saving Rules for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

In a recent vote, Congress approved a measure that stops the Department of Energy from enforcing new rules aimed at making walk-in coolers and freezers more energy-efficient. These appliances are commonly found in restaurants and grocery stores. The decision was made in the Senate with a vote of 51 in favor and 46 against, and it reflects the strong support from Republican lawmakers.

By blocking these energy-saving rules, Congress aims to help business owners who were concerned about the costs of upgrading their equipment. The rejected regulations would have required businesses to modify or replace their existing coolers and freezers to comply with the new energy standards. Many small businesses feared these changes would lead to higher expenses and potentially increase prices for consumers.

The vote shows that lawmakers are trying to balance the need for energy conservation with the financial challenges faced by businesses. While lowering energy use is important for the environment, Congress believes that the immediate pressures on local businesses should also be considered.

This decision allows many commercial enterprises to continue using their current equipment without having to worry about new, costly regulations. The outcome of this vote is significant because it can directly affect how businesses operate and keep prices steady for the community.

This is a decision by Congress to block a new energy rule for big coolers and freezers.

  • Congress disapproves a rule made by the Department of Energy.
  • This rule was about energy-saving standards for walk-in coolers and freezers.
  • The rule will not be enforced, meaning it won’t be put into action.
  • The House of Representatives voted on this decision on March 27, 2025.
97 votes

Yes

51

No

46

Not Voting

3

  1. Measure laid before Senate by motion.
  2. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 161.
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  3. Received in the Senate.
  4. Received in Senate

    This is a decision by Congress to block a new energy rule for big coolers and freezers.

    • Congress disapproves a rule made by the Department of Energy.
    • This rule was about energy-saving standards for walk-in coolers and freezers.
    • The rule will not be enforced, meaning it won’t be put into action.
    • The House of Representatives voted on this decision on March 27, 2025.
  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: 203 - 182 (Roll no. 77). (text: CR H1307)
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  7. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 203 - 182 (Roll no. 77). (text: CR H1307)
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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. 24.
  10. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 24, H.J. Res. 75 and H.R. 1048. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75 under a closed rule, and provides for consideration of H.R. 1048 under a structured rule. Also, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
  11. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 242. (consideration: CR H1307-1311)
  12. Engrossed in House

    This is a resolution that stops new energy rules for large coolers and freezers.

    1. Congress does not agree with the new energy rules from the Department of Energy.
    2. These rules were about saving energy for walk-in coolers and freezers, which are big appliances used in stores and restaurants.
    3. The resolution says these rules are not valid and won’t be put into action.
    4. Congress passed this resolution on March 27, 2025.

    This means stores and restaurants won’t have to follow the new energy-saving rules, possibly affecting their energy costs and how they operate.

  13. Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 242 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 24, H.J. Res. 75 and H.R. 1048. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75 under a closed rule, and provides for consideration of H.R. 1048 under a structured rule. Also, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
  14. Introduced in House

    This is a resolution passed by Congress to block a rule from the Department of Energy.

    1. The key point is that Congress does not agree with new rules for energy-saving standards for special refrigerators called walk-in coolers and freezers.

    2. This resolution stops these energy standards from being put into action.

    3. The action taken means that the proposed rules, which were meant to save energy, will not be enforced.

    4. This decision may impact businesses that use these coolers and freezers, as they won’t have to follow stricter energy-saving rules.

    5. The resolution was submitted by several representatives on January 16, 2025, and was sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

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