A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 4

119th Congress

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 12.

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Cruz

Senator

Republican

TX

Cosponsors

14

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Energy

Summary

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to nullify a Department of Energy rule on energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The DOE rule, submitted December 26, 2024, established amended efficiency standards that DOE determined were technologically feasible and economically justified. If passed, the resolution would void the rule and prevent DOE from issuing substantially similar standards.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 12.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to nullify a Department of Energy rule on energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. The DOE rule, submitted December 26, 2024, established amended efficiency standards that DOE determined were technologically feasible and economically justified. If passed, the resolution would void the rule and prevent DOE from issuing substantially similar standards.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled <em>Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters </em>and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Nullifies DOE energy efficiency standards for gas tankless water heaters
Uses Congressional Review Act disapproval process
Targets rule submitted December 26, 2024
Would prevent similar future standards if passed
Addresses consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution reflects ongoing debates about federal energy efficiency mandates. Supporters argue the DOE standards impose excessive costs on consumers and may effectively ban certain products. Opponents contend energy efficiency standards reduce long-term costs and environmental impact. The CRA process allows Congress to overturn recent agency rules with simple majority votes.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Energy

Related Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Department of Energy

Energy efficiency and conservation

Lighting, heating, cooling

Oil and gas

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

4, 119th Congress (2025). "A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sjres-4