The Biden administration’s relentless pursuit of its woke green energy plan as seen the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) attempt to regulate common appliances in vast majority of American homes which will cause prices to rise and dependence on electricity to go through the roof.
They have already gone after gas stoves, generators, water heaters and air conditioners. Now it seems the humble ceiling fan is the next target.
According to the DOE’s analysis, the proposed new rules households would see a savings of about $39 over the lifespan of the new energy-efficient fan. However, manufacturing costs associated with the increased equipment will total $86.6 million per year.
While the White House may see these regulations as progress, there’s growing concern from Republican members of the House over the potential repercussions for America’s vast array of small businesses that make up a huge percentage of business in the U.S.
The DOE, headed by Secretary Jennifer Granholm, recently received a letter of concern from the House Small Business Committee.
This committee, whose members ensure the interests of smaller entities aren’t overshadowed, has laid out potential pitfalls tied to this new policy direction.
According to the detailed letter from House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) and his colleagues Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Aaron Bean (R-FL), the proposed rule would lower the energy consumption thresholds for certain types of ceiling fans.
“This rule would require numerous small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products and may put between 10 and 30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers out of business,” the representatives stated.
There’s concern that the Department of Energy (DOE) might not have adequately weighed the consequences for smaller businesses during this rulemaking process.
Given the sheer scale of small businesses, making up 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S., it’s vital that their interests are not just a footnote in broader policy decisions.
The letter emphasizes, “America’s small businesses deserve to have their voices heard and considered.” It further presses the DOE for more information about the specifics of the policy and its possible effects on the average American.
Outlined within the communication are specific questions to the DOE:
- Was there a consideration for allowing small business fan manufacturers to confirm their use of a DOE-compliant electric motor, or other alternative compliance mechanisms, for this rule?
- During the rule’s impact assessment, did the DOE foresee small businesses either altering their product lines or overhauling designs in response to this rule?
- Does the DOE predict a shortage in availability of certain ceiling fans due to this rule?
- Could there be additional expenses for a small entity, for instance, a restaurant, when buying a ceiling fan that aligns with the new standards?
- Based on the proposed rule, does the DOE forecast any specific small businesses, as listed in their documentation, potentially going under?
Secretary Granholm and the Department of Energy have been given until August 30 to address these queries.
