Biden Admin Stops Plans to Limit Gas Stoves After Strong Controversy

The Biden administration has unveiled finalized energy efficiency regulations targeting gas-powered stovetops as part of its broader climate agenda, though it has scaled back a more aggressive proposal from last year that faced significant criticism.

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued the final rules on Monday after nearly 12 months of feedback from consumer advocates, industry associations, and climate activist groups.

Biden admin backs off gas stove crackdown after widespread pushback https://t.co/t3kPt1CtiN

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The regulations, slated to take effect in early 2028, represent a compromise recommendation made last year by stakeholders, including the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the primary U.S. trade group for appliance makers.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized President Biden's commitment to using various tools to lower costs for American families and promote healthier communities through energy efficiency measures.

The DOE plans to collaborate with industry partners and stakeholders in 2024 to strengthen appliance standards and address a backlog of congressionally mandated energy efficiency actions, delaying an estimated $1 trillion in consumer savings.

The DOE initially proposed regulations on Feb. 1, 2023, with an effective date set for 2027, impacting 50% of existing gas stove models.

Critics, including Republicans and consumer advocacy organizations, opposed the Biden administration's approach, citing concerns about reduced consumer choice and potential price increases.

They accused the DOE of pushing Americans to electrify their homes to cut emissions, contributing to global warming.

In response, the House passed the Save Our Gas Stoves Act in June, a bipartisan bill aimed at blocking the DOE from implementing stricter conservation standards on stoves.

In September, AHAM and other industry groups collaborated with climate advocates on a compromise proposal, recommending less aggressive energy efficiency targets for stovetops and other appliances.

The finalized rules released on Monday reflect this compromise, banning the sale of stoves consuming more than 1,770 thousand British thermal units (kBtu) per year, impacting only 3% of gas stove models compared to the original proposal's 50%.