The House passed measures preventing the Energy Secretary from enforcing energy efficiency standards for various kitchen appliances, an effort by Republicans to portray the Biden administration’s regulations as a war on consumers. 

The two bills, which would bar the Energy Secretary from enforcing energy conservation standards for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers that are not “cost effective or technologically feasible,” passed mainly on party lines. The legislation related to rules for refrigerators and freezers, led by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), passed the lower chamber in a 212-192 vote, with seven Democrats voting in favor. Another bill regulating efficiency standards for dishwashers, introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), passed in a 214-192 vote. 

The bills take aim at the Department of Energy’s efforts to tighten efficiency standards for a range of appliances, which Republicans argue would raise costs for customers while limiting consumer choice. The efficiency standards, which were finalized by the DOE earlier this year and in the late months of 2023, were proposed to help scale back energy use, curb carbon pollution, and cut utility bills for households and businesses. 

The White House issued statements of administrative policy opposing the two bills – but stopped short of issuing a veto threat. 

“These bills add vague, red-herring provisions to the law that would add uncertainty to the implementation of these standards and create unnecessary hurdles for DOE in making future updates,” the statement reads. “For these reasons, the Administration strongly opposes these bills.” 

The Department of Energy finalized rules for residential refrigerators and freezers in December, which will take effect in January 2029 or 2030, depending on the model of the appliance. The DOE also finalized efficiency standards for dishwashers in April, and compliance will be required starting in 2027. 

During floor remarks, Langworthy blasted the DOE rules as “draconian,” arguing the regulations “make absolutely no sense from either an affordability or energy standpoint.” 

“Under this administration’s latest proposed dishwasher efficiency standards rule, the average American family would be stuck with fewer, more expensive appliance options with no real cost savings over the appliances’ lifespan,” Langworthy said on Tuesday. 

Democrats punched back, chastising Republicans as wasting time with messaging measures that are likely to stall in the Democratic-controlled Senate. 

“I feel I need to remind the viewing audience that this is not Home Depot – this is supposed to be the United States Congress where we’re supposed to be tackling serious issues that are confronting the American people,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), ranking member of the House Rules Committee. “Unfortunately, under this Republican leadership, we never do that.” 

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The League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, sent a letter to members on Tuesday advocating for members to oppose the Republican-led appliance measures, arguing that the efficiency standards relieve stress on the grid and tight water supplies, while improving systems’ reliability. 

In September of last year, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, along with other industry and advocacy groups, announced their support for updating appliance standards, and released a set of recommended proposals for the DOE to adopt.