The disapproval resolution, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz , would overturn a finalized rule from the DOE that would mandate energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces, with the aim of saving consumers money and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“This rule is a continuation of the Biden administration’s capitulation to environmental radicals who value following climate dogma more than helping families actually provide for their kids and save for the future,” Cruz said during floor remarks. Senate Democrats defended the rule with climate hawk Sen. Ed Markey , who was the author of the first act to set mandatory standards for appliances, calling the regulation a “commonsense upgrade.”
The DOE rule, which took effect in February, would aim to slash household utility costs by $1.5 billion annually and $24.8 billion on energy bills over 30 years. Over the same period, the agency expects that updating these efficiency standards will cut 332 million metric tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of the combined annual emissions of 42 million homes.