The Biden administration proposed new regulations for water heaters to become more efficient, a plan the president says would create climate benefits and save consumers money but would remove some cheaper heaters from the market.
The Department of Energy estimates the rule’s efficiency standards would save consumers $198 billion over a 30-year period and result in an emission reduction of 501 million metric tons.
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“This proposal reinforces the trajectory of consumer savings that forms the key pillar of Bidenomics and builds on the unprecedented actions already taken by this Administration to lower energy costs for working families across the nation,” United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a press release.
The standards, which would take effect in 2029 if finalized, would require new common-size electric water heaters to use heat pumps, which are considered more efficient than older technology, and gas-powered heaters would use condensing technology.
Granholm said the proposal would “improve outdated efficiency standards for common household appliances, which is essential to slashing utility bills for American families and cutting harmful carbon emissions.”
The draft outlines the potential effect on manufacturers, estimating the implementation of the updated standards could result in “a loss of $207.3 million to a gain of $165.5 million” through the year 2056. The DOE estimates conversion costs would be $228.1 million.
Republicans have slammed President Joe Biden’s green energy push, beginning with resistance to an effort to phase out gas stoves nationwide.
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To fight off the encroaching regulations, Republicans have proposed legislation labeling the Biden administration as having an anti-fossil fuel agenda, passing the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act and Save Our Gas Stoves Act last month with some Democrats crossing party lines to pass the bills through the House.
Biden officials have said the regulations will help save people money and curb carbon emissions. However, opponents of the new rules argue they are doing more to harm markets and public choice than they are helping lower everyday costs.