Biden targets dishwashers to address climate crisis after gas stove restrictions.

Biden Administration Targets Dishwashers to Cut Greenhouse Gases

The Biden administration has set its sights on household appliances as a way to combat climate change. After proposing a ban on gas stoves earlier this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) has now turned its attention to dishwashers. The DOE has proposed new efficiency standards for power and water usage for standard-size and compact dishwashers during their regular cycles. The goal is to cut energy use by 27% and water use by 34% in new conventional household dishwashers made in the United States or imported into the country, starting three years after the publication of the final rule.

What the Proposed Rulemaking Means

If the new rules are adopted within the DOE’s suggested timeframe, they would come into effect in 2027. The agency estimated that the new rules would save consumers nearly $3 billion in utility bills over 30 years. Carbon dioxide emissions over the time period in question would be cut by about 12.5 million metric tons, which is roughly the combined annual emissions of 1.6 million homes, while saving about 240 billion gallons of water.

• Standard-sized dishwashers would have a maximum estimated annual energy use of 223 kWh/year and a maximum per-cycle water consumption of 3.3 gallons.
• Compact dishwasher models would see a 22% reduction in power use and an 11% lower water usage. Specifically, this would mean that compact dishwasher models made in or imported into the United States would have a maximum annual energy use of 174 kWh/year and maximum water consumption of 3.1 gallons.

The proposed standards represent the toughest clampdown on dishwasher efficiency standards in a decade and come as the Biden administration has set its sights on boosting efficiency and reducing emissions of various household appliances in the name of fighting climate change.

Opposition to the Proposal

The proposed rulemaking has faced opposition from members of the gas appliance industry, who are concerned that the federal government is using regulations to remove viable and efficient natural gas products from the market. However, the DOE has stated that it will hold an online hearing on the proposed rules on June 8, while opening the proposal for public comment.