The U.S. House passed the "Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act" to limit energy regulations that increase appliance costs.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted on May 7 to limit the Secretary of Energy's authority to enforce "energy-saving" measures on home appliances if such regulations lead to increased product prices. The "Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act," spearheaded by Representative Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), passed with a 212–195 vote.
The bill aims to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, a 1975 law that granted the executive branch the power to set progressive energy standards across the country. The newly passed act would restrict the energy secretary from implementing any measures that could result in higher costs for products such as stoves, dishwashers, and various water fixtures like urinals and showerheads.
Representative Lesko, during a press conference on May 7, criticized the Department of Energy for what she considered excessive regulatory measures. She stated, "The Department of Energy has unleashed an avalanche of new regulations for domestic items including stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, showers, toilets, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. No government bureaucrat should scheme to ever take away Americans’ appliances in the name of a radical environmental agenda."
The bill, however, faces an uncertain future in the Democrat-controlled Senate, where it is expected to encounter strong opposition.
Critics of the bill, like Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), view the legislative effort as a waste of time and accused Republicans of neglecting more pressing issues. "It’s Republicans playing more games and not recognizing what we should prioritize, which is the American people," Crockett told The Epoch Times. Similarly, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) described the bill as "just a messaging bill" and expressed frustration over diverted attention from other "critical matters" such as the FAA reauthorization and border issues.
The White House has publicly opposed the bill, arguing that it would impede the Department of Energy's efforts to lower consumer costs while improving appliance efficiency.
