On Friday, President Donald Trump signed four pieces of legislation aimed at undoing Biden-era regulations on various home appliances, including water heaters and refrigerators.
The first bill, HJR 20, reverses restrictions on gas water heaters, according to White House Secretary Will Scharf.
Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) introduced the bill, with support from Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA). Jack emphasized that this legislation “saves the factories” in his region.
Jack remarked, “This bill specifically saves the factory in my district. 300 Georgians will continue to work as soon as you sign it.” Trump expressed his pride in safeguarding those jobs.
The second bill, HJR 24, dismantles regulations imposed by the Biden administration on appliances like walk-in coolers and freezers, which were said to negatively affect everyday Americans.
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), who put forth this bill, highlighted that the energy efficiency rules have burdened businesses, including restaurants and pharmacies, that depend on these refrigeration units. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) also supported the legislation.
Next, Trump signed HJR 42 to revoke energy-saving regulations affecting household appliances. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) introduced this legislation.
Clyde pointed out that these regulations could raise manufacturing costs for items like washers and dryers, ultimately pushing prices up for consumers. “This helps to remove costs from producing these products that Americans need every day,” he noted. “When you look at regulations, it’s one after another—they always claim it’s de minimis, but cumulatively, it adds up to quite a burden for American consumers.”
The last bill, HJR 75, takes aim at energy standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers, with Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) leading the charge.
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order to remove restrictions on water use in household appliances like showerheads and faucets.
