SJRES 4119th CongressIntroduced

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 Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

Introduced: Jan 23, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) process to disapprove a Department of Energy (DOE) rule about energy efficiency standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. If Congress enacts this resolution (and it becomes law with the President’s signature or a veto is overridden), the DOE rule published in December 2024 would be nullified and would have no force or effect. In practical terms, the new energy conservation standards for these water heaters would not take effect, and DOE would not be allowed to enforce them unless a new rule is adopted later under applicable law.

Key Points

1What it does: Provides congressional disapproval of the DOE rule titled “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters” and states the rule shall have no force or effect.
2Rule being disapproved: DOE’s final rule published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 105188), setting energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters.
3Jurisdiction and mechanism: Uses the Congressional Review Act’s disapproval process (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S.C. 801 et seq.). If enacted, the rule is rejected by Congress and cannot take effect.
4Legislative status: Introduced in the Senate (S. J. Res. 4) in January 2025 by Sen. Cruz and several cosponsors; committee discharged to the full calendar in February 2025.
5Practical effect on future rulemaking: With disapproval, DOE would be prevented from enforcing that specific standard. To pursue similar or updated standards in the future, DOE would need new statutory authority or a new rule that complies with CRA and Congressional action.

Impact Areas

Primary affected group: Consumers who use gas-fired instantaneous water heaters and manufacturers/sellers of these appliances, who would be affected by the absence of new federal efficiency standards.Secondary affected groups: DOE and policymakers overseeing energy efficiency programs; building trades and installers; retailers and distributors of water heaters.Additional impacts: Potential changes in energy use and costs for households and businesses, potential shifts in industry compliance costs, and implications for federal energy efficiency policy and regulatory certainty.The bill is a disapproval measure under the Congressional Review Act. If enacted, it does not repeal underlying statutes but blocks the specific DOE rule from taking effect.The referenced rule date is December 26, 2024; the Federal Register citation is 89 Fed. Reg. 105188.This is a procedural/legislative tool, not a new policy mandate. It represents Congress exercising oversight over federal regulatory actions.

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