Tri Cities Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 5, 2023, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced legislation to prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from finalizing a proposed rule that would limit consumer access to gas kitchen ranges or ovens.

“Gas appliances are at the center of many American households—they power our stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. Nearly 187 million Americans use natural gas because it is affordable, reliable, and safe. The proposed rule by the Biden Administration would have detrimental effects on American households, restaurants, and communities across Central Washington and the nation,” said Rep. Newhouse. “I am proud to introduce this legislation to stop the draconian rule proposed by the Biden Administration and protect Americans’ wallets, time, jobs, and freedom. It's time for the government to stop overregulating our lives and focus on solutions that will truly benefit the American people and our energy future. And that starts with them getting their hands off our stoves.” 

“Natural gas has been one of the principal drivers to achieving our nation’s environmental and economic goals. From providing affordable energy to consumers to driving down emissions, the benefits this fuel has for our nation are tangible and impossible to ignore,” said Karen Harbert, President & CEO, American Gas Association (AGA). “Any push to ban natural gas would raise costs to consumers, jeopardize environmental progress and deny affordable energy to underserved populations.”

“What and how a restaurant prepares its menu are the soul of its business. More than 3 in 4 restaurant kitchens use natural gas to cook. Restaurant owners should have the option to choose the cooking element that best serves their cuisine.  We appreciate Congressman Newhouse’s leadership on this important topic.” – National Restaurant Association

Read the full text of the bill here.

Background:

• On February 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed an “energy efficiency standard” for gas cooking products. The proposed rule would require, for the first time ever, an energy performance standard for residential cooktops.

Rep. Newhouse has been leading efforts to stop the DOE from banning gas stoves and other gas-powered appliances:

• In January, Rep. Newhouse co-sponsored H.R. 337, the GAS Act, which prohibits federal agencies from banning the use or sale of gas-burning stoves.
• In March, Rep. Newhouse co-sponsored H.R. 1640, the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, which places limits on energy conservation standards for kitchen ranges or ovens under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The House is expected to vote on this legislation this week.
• This month, Rep. Newhouse co-sponsored H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, which prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using federal funds to (1) regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product, or (2) issue or enforce a product safety standard that prohibits the use or sale of gas stoves or substantially increases their price. The House is expected to vote on this legislation this week.
• On March 20, 2023, Rep. Newhouse and 24 of his House colleagues sent a letter to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing deep concern about the new proposed anti-gas appliance rule. This proposed rule would require, for the first time ever, an energy performance standard for residential cooktops, which would eliminate 95% of today’s gas appliances.
• On March 23, 2023, during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing, Rep. Newhouse asked Secretary Granholm to address constituent concerns that “96% of tested residential gas stove tops” would not be in compliance with the proposed draft rule published in February.
• On March 30, 2023, Rep. Newhouse voted for H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which included an amendment that prevents the DOE from implementing a gas stove ban. Specifically, the amendment prohibits the DOE from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed energy conservation standard for cooking products.

Original source can be found here.