Should Congress undo the Dept. of Energy’s new standards for walk-in coolers and freezers?

Environment and Energy
Relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers" (H.J.Res. 24)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This resolution would make the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers’’ no longer significant, meaning that it will have no force or effect. Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, Oklahoma, District 5)
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Opponents say

•      "In addition, the proposed standards for walk-ins are projected to yield significant environmental benefits. DOE estimates that the proposed standards would result in cumulative emission reductions (over the same period as for energy savings) of 28.5 million metric tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide (CO2), 8.8 thousand tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), 52.9 thousand tons of nitrogen oxides (NOX), 237.4 thousand tons of methane (CH4), 0.3 thousand tons of nitrous oxide (N2 O), and 0.1 tons of mercury (Hg). DOE estimates the value of climate benefits from a reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) using four different estimates of the social cost of CO2 (SC-CO2), the social cost of methane (SC-CH4), and the social cost of nitrous oxide (SC-N2 O). Together these represent the social cost of GHG (SC-GHG). DOE used interim SC-GHG values (in terms of benefit per ton of GHG avoided) developed by an Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (IWG). The derivation of these values is discussed in section IV.L of this document. For presentational purposes, the climate benefits associated with the average SC-GHG at a 3-percent discount rate are estimated to be $1.6 billion. DOE does not have a single central SC-GHG point estimate and it emphasizes the importance and value of considering the benefits calculated using all four sets of SC-GHG estimates." Source: Department of Energy 

•      "In 2025, significant changes in refrigeration regulation are set to take effect, aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency. Refrigeration equipment manufacturers have been working diligently during the last few years to ensure a smooth transition with little to no disruption in product availability and components. Their research and development teams have worked tirelessly to find the best balance between compliance and affordability. They have put in place educational resources and have been actively educating installers, contractors, and customers alike through available seminars and training courses. A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low GWP. The primary benefit of A2Ls is their ultra-low GWP level. When compared to a popular refrigerant like R134a, an A2L refrigerant like R1234yf offers up to 99% reduction in GWP. As their physical properties are similar to HFC refrigerants, they’re also relatively easy to use and don’t add any system complexity. Being classed as “mildly flammable”, A2L refrigerants are a safe option for most refrigeration applications since they are difficult to ignite. A2L refrigerants have been in development for many years and products that use them already exist in Europe, the US is catching up with the use of A2Ls." Source: Arctic Walk-Ins

Proponents say

•      "Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Oka., introduced a joint resolution of disapproval against the DOE standards for coolers and freezers on Thursday, shared exclusively with Fox News Digital. Joint resolutions of disapproval are used by lawmakers to invalidate a final rule enacted by a federal agency, meaning that if passed, the Republican-led Congress can overturn Biden's new green energy standard for appliances. "The Biden administration has done everything it can to regulate all aspects of our homes and businesses. Walk-in coolers and freezers are used everywhere; from pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and more," Bice told Fox News Digital. According to the DOE's final rule, the amended freezer standards would "result in significant conservation of energy and are technologically feasible and economically justified," but Bice suggests that such regulations are an overreach of the federal government into consumers' lives. "These rules continue to add unnecessary burdens on everyday Americans and ultimately suppress consumer choice," Bice said. "This is a direct overreach of power that my colleagues and I are fighting back against." The joint resolution is being cosponsored by GOP Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama. The bill comes as Republicans, who have a trifecta of leadership in Washington, are teeing up legislation and resolutions to push back on Biden’s green energy regulations on several household appliances." Source: Co-Sponsor of this bill, Rep. Gary Palmer (Republican, Alabama, District 6) 

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