House approves bills targeting DOE efficiency rules

By Manuel Quiñones | 07/10/2024 06:14 AM EDT

Some Democrats crossed the aisle to support the legislation that would undermine appliance regulations.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa).

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, during floor debate Tuesday. House Television

The House approved a pair of bills Tuesday against Department of Energy appliance efficiency rules.

Lawmakers voted 212-192 for Iowa Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ “Refrigerator Freedom Act,” H.R. 7637. They voted 214-192 for New York Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy’s “Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act,” H.R. 7700.

The bills would stop DOE from implementing efficiency rules on the appliances unless mandates are cost effective and result in “significant conservation.”

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Seven Democrats supported the legislation even though the White House released a statement against it. Backers included moderate Reps. Henry Cuellar of Texas and Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

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