Staff Reports
The House of Representatives has sent a clear message to the Biden administration: their attempt to ban gas-powered water heaters is going up in smoke. In a commendable act to protect consumer choice, the House passed a resolution nullifying this misguided regulation with a vote of 221-198. Notably, every Republican member stood united in favor of the measure, and even a handful of Democrats decided to join the party of liberty on this issue.
In what is becoming a tired formula, the Biden administration once again attempted to infringe upon the freedoms of American consumers during its waning days in power. Their Department of Energy’s ill-conceived rule aimed to eliminate various gas-fired water heaters, thereby putting restrictions on energy-efficient appliances that many families rely on. The fallout from such regulations is often felt most acutely by low-income households and seniors, who can least afford the rising costs associated with such government overreach.
Tom Pyle, the president of the American Energy Alliance, succinctly highlighted the issue. Consumers should be able to make their own choices regarding what appliances to use in their homes, regardless of whether they align with the whims of bureaucrats in Washington. The passage of House Joint Resolution 20 is a signal that lawmakers are willing to prioritize the needs of the American people over the heavy hand of government regulation.
House passes resolution sending Biden’s ban on some gas-powered water heaters up in smoke https://t.co/gQs7fVPcYD
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) February 27, 2025
Enter President Donald Trump, who remains vigilant in his support for this resolution. His backing is not merely symbolic; should the legislation reach his desk, he has promised to sign it into law. This commitment adds an intriguing twist to the story, as it underscores that the days of unnecessary regulation may be numbered once again.
The resolution was made possible through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn recently enacted federal rules. This tool serves as a powerful reminder of the checks and balances embedded within the government, and how they can be employed to roll back regulations that overstep the boundaries of rational governance. The future of gas-powered water heaters is now back in the hands of sensible policymakers and, more importantly, individual consumers who deserve the freedom to choose their appliances without undue interference.
