Rep. Stephanie Bice
A resolution led by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) to disapprove of a Biden administration rule that would have imposed new energy efficiency mandates on commercial refrigeration units became law on May 9 with the president’s signature.
“Today is a victory for America’s small businesses,” Rep. Bice said on Friday. “I was honored to stand with President Trump as he signed my legislation into law.”
House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.) 24, which Rep. Bice sponsored on Jan. 16 permanently nullifies the rule submitted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) related to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers.”
“From pharmacies and food banks to restaurants and convenience stores, industries that rely on commercial refrigeration will no longer be burdened by this regulation,” said Rep. Bice. “By overturning this rule, we are protecting economic freedom, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring businesses aren’t forced to bear unnecessary costs.”
The congresswoman introduced the resolution under the Congressional Review Act to end the DOE’s December 2024 rule, which had an estimated compliance cost of nearly $1 billion, according to Rep. Bice, who noted the rule was widely criticized by businesses, manufacturers, and consumer advocacy groups for increasing operational costs while delivering minimal energy savings.
The U.S. House of Representatives on March 27 voted 203-182 to approve H.J.Res. 24, while the U.S. Senate passed it on April 3 with a 53-42 vote before sending it to the president to be signed into law.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues in Congress who recognized the need to act decisively,” Rep. Bice said. “With the president’s signature, we’ve taken a meaningful step to rein in bureaucracy, keep costs low, and restore common-sense to federal rulemaking.”