SJRES 44119th CongressIn Committee

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".

Introduced: Mar 27, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act process to disapprove a Department of Energy (DOE) rule on energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. Specifically, S.J. Res. 44 objects to the DOE’s rule titled “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers,” published as 90 Federal Register 7464 on January 21, 2025. If Congress enacts this disapproval resolution, the rule shall have no force or effect, meaning the DOE standards contemplated by that rule would not take effect. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on March 27, 2025 by Sen. Moody (joined by Sen. Ernst) and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It has not yet become law.

Key Points

1Uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove a DOE rule related to energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers.
2Addresses the rule published at 90 Fed. Reg. 7464 on January 21, 2025.
3If enacted, the rule would be nullified and would have no force or effect.
4Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Moody (for herself and Ms. Ernst); referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; status is “Introduced.”
5A joint resolution of disapproval generally requires passage by both chambers and is not automatically in effect without congressional action; it can be subject to presidential veto and potential congressional override.

Impact Areas

Primary affected groups/areas:- Manufacturers and industry stakeholders of commercial refrigeration equipment (design, production, and compliance costs/strategies).- Businesses that operate or purchase commercial refrigeration (grocery stores, restaurants, food service facilities) that would be directly affected by energy standards.Secondary affected groups/areas:- Building owners, facility managers, and commercial real estate operators who rely on equipment efficiency for operating costs.- Utilities and energy policymakers focused on national energy efficiency trends and potential energy savings.Additional impacts:- Environmental and energy-use implications (potential changes in projected energy savings or energy intensity of commercial refrigeration).- Regulatory and economic landscape for appliance standards, including potential shifts in DOE rulemaking pace and federal vs. industry actions.- Administrative implications for DOE, industry trade groups, and state/local governments aligning standards with federal requirements.The bill, if enacted, would halt the specific DOE standards change contemplated by the January 21, 2025 rule, rather than altering existing standards directly outside of that disapproval process.For this resolution to become law, it must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President or survive a presidential veto overridden by Congress.

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