In a concerning turn for climate advocates and environmentalists across the country, the U.S. Senate recently passed House Joint Resolution 75 (H.J. Res. 75)—a move that effectively strikes down updated energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. The resolution, filed under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), blocks a rule proposed by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) within the Department of Energy (DOE).
This rule, designed to improve the efficiency of commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers, aimed to cut carbon emissions, lower energy costs for businesses, and advance the United States toward its climate goals. Instead, with the passage of this resolution, progress has hit a political roadblock.
At Sustainable Action Now, we see this as a setback for environmental justice, energy innovation, and the future of sustainable policy in America.
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What Was the DOE Energy Efficiency Rule About?
The DOE rule targeted commercial refrigeration units—the kind used in grocery stores, restaurants, and other food service industries. These appliances consume large amounts of electricity daily and represent a significant chunk of operational costs for businesses.
The proposed rule sought to:
- Update efficiency standards for new units manufactured or imported into the U.S.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on electricity usage.
- Save U.S. businesses billions in energy costs over time.
- Drive innovation in appliance manufacturing toward greener technology.
It was a win-win for businesses and the environment, promising both cost savings and climate impact reductions.
What Is H.J. Res. 75?
Under the Congressional Review Act, lawmakers can overturn federal agency rules by passing a resolution of disapproval. H.J. Res. 75, introduced in the House and later passed in the Senate, nullifies the DOE’s updated energy conservation standards. With passage in both chambers and presidential approval, the rule is overturned and cannot be reissued in the same or substantially similar form without further legislation.
The resolution passed despite the DOE’s extensive review, public comment period, and industry feedback supporting the rule’s benefits.
Why This Matters for Climate and Energy Policy
The rollback of these standards may seem technical or obscure—but its implications are real, and they ripple far beyond the appliance sector.
🌍 1. Increased Emissions
Less efficient refrigeration equipment means more electricity demand, which translates to higher emissions, especially from fossil fuel-dependent grids.
💸 2. Higher Business Costs
Energy-efficient appliances lower utility bills. Blocking these standards costs businesses money in the long run—ironically hurting the small business community many legislators claim to defend.
🏭 3. Slower Green Innovation
Without federal pressure, manufacturers may be less incentivized to adopt cleaner technologies, delaying the much-needed transition to a green economy.
🔁 4. Precedent for Reversals
This move could open the door to further rollbacks of future or existing energy-saving measures, undermining decades of climate progress built on bipartisan groundwork.
Environmentalists & Experts Respond
Climate advocates, scientists, and clean energy experts have denounced the resolution. Organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) warn that scrapping energy standards undercuts national emissions targets and leaves consumers and businesses vulnerable to unnecessary expenses.
At Sustainable Action Now, we echo these concerns. Government policies must align with science, sustainability, and social equity. Rolling back efficiency rules serves short-term politics—not the long-term health of our planet.
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What’s Next?
The Biden Administration still has the power to veto this resolution and preserve the DOE’s rule. Climate activists and concerned citizens are urging the President to stand firm against regressive energy policy and prioritize smart climate action.
If the resolution is signed into law, however, it will prevent the DOE from issuing similar rules in the future without new legislation—making this a critical inflection point for appliance efficiency and regulatory integrity.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a concerned citizen, small business owner, or environmental advocate, there are meaningful ways to take action:
- ✍️ Contact your legislators and demand support for energy efficiency and climate-smart policies.
- 📢 Raise awareness by sharing news on social media and educating your community.
- 💡 Support businesses and brands that prioritize sustainable operations.
- 🔍 Follow climate legislation closely and stay engaged with credible action groups.
Conclusion: Turning the Tide on Climate Inaction
The passage of H.J. Res. 75 is a reminder of how fragile climate policy progress can be—especially when science takes a backseat to politics. But it’s also a rallying call. We must continue pushing for bold, forward-thinking solutions that protect our environment, reduce waste, and create a sustainable future for all.
Together, through informed advocacy and persistent civic engagement, we can keep sustainability at the forefront of American energy policy.
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Sources:
- Congressional Record – H.J. Res. 75
- Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency Standards
- NRDC and ACEEE Statements on Energy Rollbacks
- Sustainable Action Now – Climate Action Category
