Duval Times

In an effort to push back against the U.S. Department of Energy's final rule on gas furnace efficiency standards, Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz have introduced a disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. The rule, which is set to go into effect on February 16, 2024, will require manufacturers to sell only furnaces that convert at least 95% of fuel into heat, effectively banning all non-condensing furnace models. This will force a majority of American households to either adopt electric heat pumps or spend thousands of dollars on home renovations to meet the new requirements.

Senator Cruz expressed his concerns about the rule, stating, "This administration doesn't care that their radical climate agenda will have a catastrophic impact on American families and small businesses. I'm committed to doing everything in my power to push back against this rule that puts the radical left's fringe climate agenda before the needs of the American people."

Representative Michelle Fischbach also criticized the Biden administration's decision, stating that it is "limiting choices, further burdening the electrical grid, and unnecessarily costing families thousands of dollars." She added that the administration is trying to force their agenda into the homes of the American people.

Several industry associations and organizations have voiced their opposition to the rule as well. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) opposes the proposed efficiency standards, citing the agency's failure to present clear and convincing evidence. The association supports any Congressional action to push back against these efforts and preserve consumer choice and availability.

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) appreciates Senator Cruz's action to roll back the Department of Energy's rulemaking, which they believe wrongfully drives costly fuel switching and limits consumer options. They argue that vulnerable and underserved communities will be forced to switch to less affordable and efficient electric furnaces.

The Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) supports Senator Cruz's efforts to protect consumer choice and believes that the Department of Energy's ruling hurts consumer choice and increases the costs of retrofitting existing homes.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) also expressed their support for Senator Cruz's resolution, stating that it aligns with their belief in consumer choice and access to products and fuel sources that best fit their needs.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to Senator Cruz for his call to action and emphasizing the need to keep heating systems affordable for the U.S. consumer.

With the introduction of this resolution, Senators Scott and Cruz are joined by a group of bipartisan senators and representatives who are committed to opposing the Biden administration's rule. They believe that it is important to protect consumer choice, affordability, and the interests of American families and small businesses.

This is not the first time that Senator Cruz has taken action against regulations that he believes to be excessive. In the past, he has led efforts to reign in unrealistic energy efficiency standards and push back against heavily regulating or banning gas stoves.

As the resolution moves forward, it remains to be seen whether it will garner enough support to pass and block the implementation of the gas furnace efficiency rule.