Summary of SJRES 4: Disapproval of DOE Water Heater Efficiency Standard

Overview

SJRES 4 is a joint resolution that would overturn a recently finalized Department of Energy (DOE) rule setting new energy efficiency standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on January 23, 2025 and has a companion bill, HJRES 20, in the House.

Key Provisions

• Provides for congressional disapproval of the DOE's rule on consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heater efficiency standards under the Congressional Review Act.
• If passed, this would nullify the DOE's new standards and prevent the agency from implementing similar requirements in the future without explicit congressional approval.

Impact

• The DOE's rule, finalized in late 2024, would have required manufacturers to produce more energy-efficient gas-fired instantaneous water heaters for the consumer market.
• Supporters of SJRES 4 argue the new standards would have significantly increased the cost of these water heaters, making them less affordable for many households.
• Critics of the resolution contend that overturning the efficiency rules would result in higher energy usage and utility bills for consumers, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Timeline

• The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has discharged the resolution from committee, allowing it to proceed to a full Senate vote under an expedited process provided by the Congressional Review Act.
• If approved by both chambers of Congress, SJRES 4 would then be sent to the President, who would have the option to sign or veto the resolution.

Overall, SJRES 4 represents an effort by some lawmakers to block the implementation of new federal energy efficiency standards that they believe would impose undue costs on consumers. The outcome of this resolution could have significant implications for the future regulation of water heater energy use.