House Republicans are targeting the DOE rule that regulates ceiling fans.
Republicans Question Biden Administration’s Proposed Rule on Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Standards
Republicans on the Small Business Committee are raising concerns about the Biden administration’s latest proposed rule that would change the energy conservation standards for ceiling fans. In a letter addressed to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) and other committee members express their worries about the potential impact on small business fan manufacturers.
“It is important for agencies to examine small businesses interests—which make up 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States—when passing any new rule. America’s small businesses deserve to have their voices heard and considered,”
The lawmakers argue that the proposed rule would force many small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products, potentially leading to the closure of 10%-30% of these businesses. To address their concerns, the letter includes a series of questions to the Department of Energy (DOE), seeking information on additional costs, alternative solutions, impact calculations, and the potential for businesses to go out of business due to the rule.
The DOE’s proposed rule, which was introduced in June and recently concluded its public comment period, aims to make ceiling fans more energy efficient. The DOE estimates that this move could save households anywhere between $28 to $39 over the lifespan of a new fan. However, the increased equipment costs are projected to be $86.6 million per year.
According to the DOE’s analysis, the net monetized benefit of the new rule would amount to $316.7 million, with reduced equipment operating costs, monetized climate benefits, and monetized health benefits. However, Republicans have been critical of the Biden administration’s appliance efficiency standards, particularly those targeting home kitchen appliances. Notably, Republicans previously criticized the DOE’s proposal to set energy standards for gas stoves and other conventional cooking products.
Under the Biden administration, the Energy Department has been implementing stricter regulations on household appliances, proposing new standards for gas stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances. President Joe Biden’s executive order on his first day in office mandated the Energy Department to make “major revisions” to current appliance regulation standards set by the previous administration.
The letter sent by Chairman Williams and others sets a response deadline of August 30.
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