Texas Republicans Propose Bill to Repeal Biden’s Climate Regulations
On Friday, Texas Republican Representative Craig Goldman unveiled a new piece of legislation aimed at rolling back key provisions of former President Joe Biden’s prominent climate initiative from 2022.
Goldman’s office asserts that the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act would free up about $5.7 billion for taxpayers by eliminating three regulations from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that limit consumer options and withdrawing nonexistent funds allocated for two other IRA components. Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has already reduced several IRA regulations, President Donald Trump, along with Goldman and other GOP lawmakers, are pushing for further cuts to green energy subsidies.
Goldman stated, “Americans should have the freedom to choose how they cook their food and keep their homes warm. I will introduce the Landlord Energy Freedom Act to abolish the Biden administration’s extreme green energy mandates, which effectively ban gas stoves and appliances. The Homeowners Energy Freedom Act would restore choices for homeowners regarding appliances, eliminate costly regulations, and cut down on wasteful federal expenditures.”
The proposed legislation particularly targets IRA Sections 50122, 50123, and 50131, which are associated with reducing carbon emissions. Goldman argues that these IRA provisions were instrumental in Biden’s broader strategy to electrify buildings and appliances nationwide, all funded by taxpayers.
Goldman’s bill has the support of Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehee. The Senate is set to take up the measure in January.
Initially, Democrats endorsed the IRA, viewing it as a means to tackle inflation through significant climate policy—its recognition as the largest climate law in U.S. history. However, Goldman indicates that the cost to taxpayers could be astronomical, with estimates by Goldman Sachs suggesting it might reach $1 trillion over the next decade. Additionally, a forecast from the Cato Institute estimates the IRA tax credits could burden taxpayers by up to $4.7 trillion by 2050.
During his presidency, Trump challenged the Democratic climate agenda, initiating efforts to unwind numerous climate-related regulations and initiatives from the Biden administration.
