**Congress Rejects New Energy Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers**

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senate

15 days ago - Politics

Congress Blocks New Energy Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

In a recent decision, Congress voted to block new rules aimed at making walk-in coolers and freezers more energy-efficient. On March 27, 2025, the Senate approved the resolution with a vote of 53 to 42. The resolution will stop new energy-saving regulations proposed by the Department of Energy, which would have affected many restaurants and grocery stores that rely on these appliances.

Republicans were the main supporters of this decision, believing that enforcing stricter energy standards would increase costs for businesses. They argued that small business owners are already facing financial struggles, and these new regulations would create additional expenses. By blocking the rules, Congress hopes to alleviate some of the financial pressure on these businesses and prevent potential price increases for customers.

The rejected regulations aimed to improve energy conservation in walk-in coolers and freezers, which are essential for storing perishable items. Without these rules in place, businesses will be able to continue using their current equipment without having to modify or replace it for compliance.

This decision highlights the ongoing debate between protecting the environment and supporting local businesses. While energy conservation is important, lawmakers are balancing those concerns with the realities that businesses face every day. The impact of this resolution will be felt across various commercial enterprises, allowing them to focus on their operations without worrying about meeting new energy requirements.

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.
95 votes

Yes

53

No

42

Not Voting

5

  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