NAHB Commends Resolution to Block Biden’s Gas Water Heater Ban
NAHB strongly supports congressional resolutions introduced in both chambers of Congress that seek to block the Biden administration’s recent attempt to ban natural gas water heaters.
The Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Final Rule establishing Standards for Gas-Fired Instantaneous Water Heaters was introduced in the House by Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) and in the Senate by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
“The nation’s home builders applaud Rep. Palmer and Sen. Cruz for introducing this resolution,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris. “As the primary energy source for millions of American homes, natural gas plays a critical role in ensuring affordable and reliable energy. This rule’s impact on the water heater market could set a dangerous precedent for further restrictions on natural gas appliances, ultimately making it harder for home owners to maintain affordable living standards.”
The new DOE standards will have a significant impact on home owners and home builders, raising costs and creating unnecessary challenges. NAHB believes the push for a shift to more expensive condensing gas water heaters presents substantial hurdles for remodeling and replacement projects, especially in older homes. Furthermore, NAHB is concerned that this rule is part of a broader agenda to phase out natural gas appliances, ultimately limiting consumer choice and driving up utility costs.
NAHB is urging Congress to approve the resolution of disapproval to prevent the harmful effects of this rule on home owners and the broader housing industry. The DOE should focus on promoting energy efficiency without unnecessarily driving up costs and limiting consumer choice.
The House resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Julia Letlow (R-La.), Mike Collins (R-Ga.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.).
Latest from NAHBNow
Nov 10, 2026
Which Stage of Construction Takes the Most Time When Building a Single-Family Home?
According to the latest NAHB/Well Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey results, interior finishes (drywall, interior doors, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.) take an average of 6.4 weeks to complete, longer than any other major stage of single-family construction.
Advocacy
Nov 09, 2026
NAHB Mourns the Passing of Nicolas “Nick” P. Retsinas
Nicolas “Nick” P. Retsinas, a leader in local and national housing policy and advocacy, passed away last week at the age of 79.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 10, 2026
Consumer Credit Growth Picks Up in the Third Quarter of 2026
Consumer credit growth accelerated in the third quarter of 2026, with both revolving and nonrevolving credit increasing at their fastest quarterly rates since 2022. Total outstanding consumer credit reached $5.22 trillion, continuing an upward trend that has strengthened over the past year.
Economics
Nov 10, 2026
Inflation Persists in October
Inflation remained elevated in October even as energy prices eased, raising expectations of another Fed rate hike. Shelter returned as the largest driver of headline inflation, accounting for over 30% of the monthly increase. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, rose by 0.3% for the third consecutive month, suggesting broad-based price pressures across the economy.
Economics
Nov 09, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wage Growth Rebounds, but Real Wages Continue to Decline
Wage growth for residential building workers showed signs of a modest rebound in September 2026 following a sharp slowdown earlier in the year. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nominal wage growth picked up from its June pace, although it remained relatively modest.