Biden Admin Targets Home Water Heaters
Democrats Target Water Heaters in Latest Environmental Push
Democrats have been making waves with their efforts to save the planet, from restricting gas stoves and light bulbs to even imposing moratoriums on new gas stations in some liberal cities. And now, they have set their sights on water heaters.
A new proposal from the Department of Energy aims to enforce stricter efficiency requirements for water heaters, pushing manufacturers to adopt heat pump technology for electric water heaters and condensing technology for gas-fired ones.
According to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, these measures will not only cut harmful carbon emissions but also lead to significant savings for American families. She stated, “Replacing traditional electric resistance storage water heaters with electric heat pump water heaters meeting the proposed levels would save consumers $1,868 on average over the life of the appliance.”
However, Republicans are not pleased with the proposal. Forbes contributor David Blackmon took to Twitter, saying, “First they came for your gas stoves. Then they came for your dishwashers. Next they came for your water heaters and air conditioners. Now the Biden apparatchiks are coming for your portable gas generators.”
First they came for your gas stoves.
Then they came for your dishwashers.
Next they came for your water heaters and air conditioners.
Now the Biden apparatchiks are coming for your portable gas generators.#Marxists https://t.co/OugUBDJMiW
— David Blackmon’s Energy Absurdity (@EnergyAbsurdity) July 22, 2023
Opponents argue that consumers should have the freedom to choose whether the upfront cost of these energy-efficient water heaters is worth the long-term savings. Representative Thomas Massie tweeted, “Leave us alone. These products already exist in the free market.”
Leave us alone.
These products already exist in the free market. Consumers should decide whether the upfront cost of a heat-pump water heater is worth the possible long term savings. In many cases, the monthly savings never make up for the upfront cost of the equipment. https://t.co/I0j36USrr4
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 22, 2023
President Joe Biden has framed these measures as part of his “Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Standards” program. However, critics argue that the ban on incandescent light bulbs, for example, has led to higher costs for consumers. LED bulbs, which are touted as more energy-efficient, are significantly more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs.
While the Department of Energy claims that these regulations will accelerate progress towards a brighter future, opponents believe that the government should not interfere in the marketplace when more energy-efficient options already exist.
Despite pushback, the Biden administration continues to pursue its environmental agenda. Even though Secretary Granholm dismissed claims of restricting gas stoves, her department proposed regulations that would diminish their use in homes.
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin expressed his opposition, tweeting, ”The federal government has no business telling me – or any American family – how to cook dinner.”
The federal government has no business telling me – or any American family – how to cook dinner. That’s why I’m proud to lead a bipartisan bill with @SenTedCruz to ensure Americans decide how to cook in their own homes. @NBCNews https://t.co/Q5ApWhPw9C
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) February 2, 2023
These efforts to restrict or ban certain products extend beyond water heaters and gas stoves. In Boulder, Colorado, Democrats have limited the number of gas stations in an attempt to combat climate change. Council member Maxine Most believes that this move will promote the use of electric vehicles and encourage cleaner energy options for transportation.
While Democrats argue that these measures are necessary for the environment, critics maintain that consumers should have the freedom to make their own choices. The battle between environmentalism and personal choice continues.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Joseph Curl has covered politics for 35 years, including 12 years as White House correspondent for a national newspaper. He was also the a.m. editor of the Drudge Report for four years. Send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @josephcurl.
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