Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, challenged the Biden administration’s stringent regulations aimed at widely used household appliances, such as furnaces and stoves that operate on natural gas.
Manchin censured the Department of Energy (DOE) for its ambitious energy efficiency legislation.
He suggested technological advancements in products should evolve naturally within the free market, rather than being hastened by regulatory constraints.
As the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Manchin expressed his concerns about regulations intending to electrify gas appliances.
The senator said, “It unmistakably exhibits how the [DOE] is out of touch with the real, on-ground developments impacting our grid system.”
He added, “We’ve been repeatedly cautioned by entities such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, along with others, about the increasing pressure on our grid.”
He elaborated on his concern, saying, “We’re constantly reducing the amount of dispatchable power – the power that’s available around the clock, majorly generated from fossil fuels – from the grid.”
“This trend, primarily driven by this administration, is pushing our grid towards the danger zone.”
He argued with the surging demand for electric appliances, meant to replace gas-powered ones like stoves and furnaces, it is becoming increasingly unrealistic and irrational to continue on this path.
Manchin emphatically stated, “It absolutely makes no sense and is not in check with reality. Absolutely not.”
Potential Impact on Consumer Costs and Grid Stability
Over the past few months, the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy revealed new standards for many appliances. This includes things like washing machines, fridges, air conditioners, and dishwashers.
In December, the administration said it had taken 110 actions on energy efficiency rules in 2022 alone. This was part of its plan to deal with climate change.
Millions of Americans using natural gas appliances save thousands per year compared to all-electric homes.
By banning gas stoves, Biden is continuing his war on hard-working families. Its time to put American consumers back in control, and kick the DOE out of your kitchen
— Rep. Diana Harshbarger (@RepHarshbarger) June 13, 2023
The agency focuses a lot on appliances that use gas.
They want to reduce carbon emissions and deal with global warming. Some people who want to protect the environment said if we use more electricity, ban natural gas hookups, and have stricter energy efficiency standards, we could rely less on fossil fuels.
Whereas some experts worry this could put too much pressure on the power grid and make things cost more for customers.