Statement of Administration Policy: S.J. Res. 58 - A Joint Resolution Providing for Congressional Disapproval of the Rule Submitted by the Department of Energy Relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces"

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(Senate)
(Sen. Cruz, R-TX, and 36 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes S.J. Res. 58, which would disapprove the Department of Energy (DOE) rule that updates energy efficiency standards for residential furnaces for the first time since 2007. Under the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, DOE regularly updates energy efficiency standards. These standards have already saved consumers an estimated $1 trillion on utility bills, with an average household currently saving $321 annually. The DOE residential furnaces standards are part of the Administration's effort to issue updated standards across several product categories that could deliver an additional $1 trillion in savings over 30 years

Under DOE's updated standards for residential furnaces, newly manufactured models—starting in late-2028—will reduce waste by converting nearly all of the gas used into heat. DOE determined that these standards will result in significant conservation of energy, are technologically feasible, and economically justified, providing an estimated $1.5 billion each year in savings on household utility bills—with an average household that upgrades from a legacy model saving an estimated $500 over the new furnace's lifetime—while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants. Passage of S.J. Res. 58 would eliminate these commonsense energy efficiency standards that promote choices for consumers to help them save money, prevent waste of electricity and gas, and strengthen energy security.

If the President were presented with S.J. Res. 58, he would veto it.