House backs bills to roll back energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, dishwashers

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans on Tuesday approved two bills rolling back Energy Department efficiency standards on refrigerators and dishwashers.

Republicans called the Biden administration rules expensive and impractical, while Democrats defended them as a way for consumers to save money and reduce greenhouse gas pollution that contributes to climate change.

A bill by Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa would curtail Energy Department rules on refrigerators. A separate measure by New York Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy would bar the administration from implementing or enforcing new efficiency rules if they are not “cost-effective or technologically feasible” and result in significant energy conservation.

The refrigerator bill was approved, 212-192, while the dishwasher measure was adopted, 214-192. Both bills now go to the Democratic-controlled Senate where they are unlikely to advance.

The White House said it strongly opposes both measures but stopped short of a veto threat if the bills reach Biden’s desk.

The bills include “vague” and misleading language that “would add uncertainty to the implementation of these (efficiency) standards and create unnecessary hurdles for DOE in making future updates,’' the White House said in a statement.

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