This week, the House of Representatives passed a bill with bipartisan support that obstructs the Department of Energy (DOE) from implementing stringent energy conservation measures on gas stoves. The Save Our Gas Stoves Act, legislation reflecting resistance to the Biden administration’s regulatory strategy, passed in the House 249-181, with 29 Democrats joining their Republican counterparts.
Rep. Debbie Lasko (R-AZ) sponsored the bill and articulated the sentiment of many American citizens when she stated, “Consumers don’t want the government taking away the features on gas stoves that they like and use. That is not the role of the U.S. government.”
House Votes To Block Biden Admin From Imposing Efficiency Regulations On Gas Stoves
The “Save Our Gas Stoves Act” passed the House 249-181, with over two dozen Democrats crossing the aisle to vote in favor.https://t.co/TtV3xjpJNF via @dailycaller— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) June 15, 2023
The bill emerged in response to a DOE rule threatening to usher in heightened energy efficiency standards for gas stoves. The alarming revelation was that an initial DOE assessment determined 96% of gas stoves in the market would not meet the proposed standards. Amid public pushback, the DOE appeared to shift gears and suggested nearly 50% of gas stoves would pass their rule.
WATCH me debate my bill to protect Americans’ gas stoves!
My Save Our Gas Stoves Act protects consumer choice and BLOCKS the Department of Energy’s out-of-touch rule that eliminates the majority of gas stoves on the market.
This is a de facto BAN on gas stoves! pic.twitter.com/qLr1aUbn3t
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) June 14, 2023
Lasko drew attention to this seeming inconsistency, stating, “What did DOE do after the public heard about this and pushed back? They adjusted their analysis, seemingly out of thin air.”
Lasko countered the argument that the new regulation would lower consumer energy bills, claiming savings would only amount to 12 cents per month. In an impassioned speech, she declared, “Consumers don’t want to give up the features of the stoves they like for 12 cents per month. Consumers don’t want to wait an extra 7 minutes to watch a pot of water boil for 12 cents per month.”
In opposition, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) argued, “This rule only applies to new stoves, and, as I said, manufacturers have three years to meet the standard.” That claim does little to assuage the fears of consumers concerned about limited choice and higher costs when purchasing new stoves in the future.
Moreover, the House vote followed the passage of the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, prohibiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission from spending taxpayer money to ban gas stoves. Such measures highlight a growing sentiment among American citizens and their elected representatives against government overreach into their kitchens.
The White House, in response, argued the legislation would “undermine science-based Consumer Product Safety Commission decision-making and block common-sense efforts to help Americans cut their energy bills.” However, the decisive House vote indicates that many lawmakers and their constituents might view these “common-sense efforts” as more of a burden than a benefit.
