U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) applauded passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a bipartisan resolution she authored to overturn federal regulations on walk-in coolers and freezers.
“This regulation, which had an estimated cost of a billion dollars, would have been crippling for businesses throughout the country, especially in rural areas,” Rep. Bice said on March 27. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this critical measure.”
The congresswoman on Jan. 16 sponsored House Joint Resolution 24 alongside five Republican original cosponsors to nullify the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers submitted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Dec. 23, 2024.
Under the rule, the DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
The U.S. House of Representatives on March 27 voted 203-182 to pass the resolution to end the stricter energy efficiency standards on walk-in coolers and freezers.
“In a bipartisan fashion, the House acted to overturn more last-minute environmental regulations from the Biden administration,” said Rep. Bice. “Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential for pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and many other establishments nationwide. We must continue to push back against federal overreach.”
The resolution now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.