Lawmakers scrap efficiency rule for gas tankless water heaters
Signed into lawH.J.Res. 20Latest action
Sponsor: Gary J. Palmer · Representative · AL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
Congress and the president killed a 2024 rule requiring stricter efficiency standards for gas tankless water heaters.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill uses the to cancel a Department of Energy rule, finalized in December 2024, that would have set stricter energy efficiency standards for gas-fired tankless water heaters. With the president's signature, the rule is now dead and cannot take effect. The Department of Energy is also barred from issuing a similar rule in the future without new authorization from Congress.
Who does it affect?
This affects consumers who buy gas tankless water heaters, the manufacturers that produce them, and the Department of Energy's regulatory authority over this appliance category.
Why does it matter?
Without the canceled rule, manufacturers are not required to meet the new efficiency standards, so units on the market may remain less efficient than they would have been. This could influence long-term energy costs and environmental impacts tied to water heating.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 15, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-6.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
Senate · · Roll call 207
As recorded
- Question
- On the H.J.Res. 20
- Result:
- Joint Resolution Passed
- 53
- Nay
- 44
- 0
- 3
Republicans 51 yes, 2 not voting · Democrats 2 yes, 43 no · Independents 1 no, 1 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 206
As recorded
- Question
- On the H.J.Res. 20
- Result:
- Motion to Proceed Agreed to
- 52
- Nay
- 42
- 0
- 6
Republicans 50 yes, 3 not voting · Democrats 2 yes, 41 no, 2 not voting · Independents 1 no, 1 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 53
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 221
- Nay
- 198
- 2
- 12
Republicans 210 yes, 2 present, 6 not voting · Democrats 11 yes, 198 no, 6 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record