U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) on Sept. 12 led eight Republicans in introducing legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing its proposed rule to amend energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers.
“From gas stoves to washing machines, the Biden administration is going after everything in Americans’ homes,” Rep. Moolenaar said, “so it is probably only a matter of time before they come up with new rules for the kitchen sink.”
The DOE on March 3 issued a notice of proposed rulemaking entitled “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers,” which the lawmakers say would set new rules on new washing machines that would regulate them to be less efficient by requiring them to use less water at lower temperatures.
To prohibit the rulemaking, Rep. Moolenaar sponsored the Withdrawing Absurd, Senseless, and Haphazard Energy Regulations (WASHER) Act, H.R. 5411, with original cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Nancy Mace (R-SC).
“My legislation today would prohibit the Biden administration from implementing new policies that would push affordable washing machines off the market and raise costs for Michigan families,” said Rep. Moolenaar. “The WASHER Act will help put an end to President Biden’s burdensome regulations on the American people and the home appliances they want.”
If enacted, H.R. 5411 also would prohibit the DOE from implementing similar rules in the future, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff, who said Rep. Moolenaar introduced similar legislation in an amendment to the DOE’s 2024 budget that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee adopted in June.