"Energy Department Sets Efficiency Standards For Gas Stoves"

"The Department of Energy unveiled a heavily anticipated, scaled-back regulation Monday to cut greenhouse gas emissions from stovetop cooking in the U.S., going with a compromise that pleased gas stove producers and environmentalists alike.

Stoves that consume 1,770 thousand British thermal units (kBtu) per year of gas will be permitted under the new regulation, which aligns with a compromise floated last year by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and the environmental group Appliance Standards Awareness Project. That’s a much more flexible regulation than the 1,204-kBtu threshold initially proposed by DOE.

The decision follows months of political drama over allegations that Biden administration officials wanted to ban gas stoves from American’s homes. Republicans and some moderate Democrats, like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), repeatedly blasted the administration over the plan to regulate gas stoves.

Along with a rulemaking process at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that could potentially restrict American access to gas stoves, critics said federal rules on gas stoves represents a federal infringement on American lives. Lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit gas stove action at DOE and the CPSC.

But the regulation, following months of aggressive industry pressure on DOE to abandon its plan, found a positive reception among industry."

Brian Dabbs reports for E&E News January 29, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"Biden Publishes Watered-Down Gas Stove Efficiency Rule" (The Hill)

"Biden Set New Stove Rules. No, He’s Not Coming For Your Gas Burners." (Washington Post)

"Joe Biden Is Not Coming For Your Gas Stove" (CNN)

 

Source: E&E News, 01/30/2024