Manchin blocks Biden’s energy nominee due to gas stove regulations.

Senator Manchin Blocks Biden Nominee Over Gas Stove Regulations

What Happened?

Senator Joe Manchin has put a halt to President Joe Biden’s nominee, Jeff Marootian, to lead the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This comes after the department proposed new regulations on gas-powered stoves, which Manchin has raised concerns about. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to consider the nomination during a hearing on Wednesday, but Manchin, who is the committee chairman, canceled the vote on Wednesday morning.

Why Did Manchin Block the Nomination?

Manchin initially supported Marootian’s nomination, but since the department he has been nominated to lead proposed stove efficiency rules, Manchin has raised concerns. The proposed regulations set a maximum annual energy consumption limit of 1,204 thousand British thermal units per year for new gas stoves. While the rules would only apply to new stoves, Manchin believes it’s part of a broader effort to eliminate fossil fuels, and for that reason, he’s not comfortable moving forward with Marootian at this time.

The Debate Over Gas Stove Regulations

The debate over whether gas stoves should be subject to new energy efficiency and emissions standards has been simmering for months. In December, a clean energy advocacy group published a study claiming that 12.7% of current childhood asthma in the US is attributable to gas stove use. In a January interview, a Consumer Product Safety Commission member described gas stoves as a “hidden hazard” and raised the possibility of a ban.

Conclusion

The debate over gas stove regulations is ongoing, and Senator Manchin’s decision to block Marootian’s nomination highlights the importance of this issue. As we continue to prioritize energy efficiency and emissions reduction, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on industries and individuals.