Congress Approves Resolution to Block Biden’s Gas Water Heater Ban
In a major win for NAHB and housing affordability, the Senate today approved a congressional resolution that will block the Biden administration’s recent attempt to ban certain natural gas water heaters. The House approved the resolution earlier this year, and President Trump will sign it into law shortly.
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 passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
“NAHB commends Congress for approving this resolution to strike down DOE standards that would have a significant impact on home owners and home builders by raising costs and creating unnecessary challenges,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes. “The DOE should focus on promoting energy efficiency without unnecessarily driving up costs and limiting consumer choice.”
Natural gas is the primary energy source for millions of American homes, and natural gas plays a critical role in ensuring affordable and reliable energy.
NAHB believes the Biden administration’s 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.
“The Biden-era rule’s impact on the water heater market set a dangerous precedent for further restrictions on natural gas appliances, and ultimately it would make it harder for home owners to maintain affordable living standards,” said Hughes.