Natural GAS Act of 2025
The Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2025 would modify how the Energy Policy and Conservation Act governs energy efficiency standards for gas-powered appliances—specifically water heaters, furnaces and boilers, and kitchen cooktops, ranges, and ovens. The bill focuses on the rulemaking process rather than setting new numeric efficiency standards. Key requirements include: mandating a full fuel-cycle analysis (and a corresponding energy descriptor) as part of any new rule finalized after enactment; certifying that the rule is not likely to cause a significant shift from gas to electric appliances; exempting small major manufacturers from certain requirements; and ensuring that the energy analysis results are prominently disclosed on consumer-facing labels at the point of sale. For cooktops, ranges, and ovens, the bill also preserves certain gas features (like quick boil times, burner variety, and continuous grates) and requires label disclosures similar to those for water heaters and furnaces/boilers. If enacted, the measure would push for broader life-cycle-based efficiency assessments and greater transparency at the point of sale, while aiming to limit shifts away from gas appliances and protect consumer access to gas-specific features.
Key Points
- 1Full fuel-cycle analysis requirement: For new rules finalized after enactment, DOE must require a full fuel-cycle energy efficiency analysis and a full-fuel-cycle energy descriptor, referencing the 2009 National Academies report on measurement approaches.
- 2Shift-risk certification: The Secretary must certify that the rule is not likely to cause a significant shift from gas to electric appliances in residential or commercial construction or replacement.
- 3Label disclosure: The results of the fuel-cycle analysis and the energy descriptor must be prominently disclosed on labels required by the FTC for energy information and be visible to consumers at the point of sale.
- 4Exemption for small major manufacturers: The rule would not apply to small major household appliance manufacturers, as defined by CFR standards.
- 5Gas appliance feature protections for cooktops/ranges/ovens: Rules cannot limit certain gas-specific features (e.g., quick-to-boil times, burner variety and sizes, continuous grates) and must also provide the same label disclosure requirements as other appliances.