Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".
Summary
H.J.Res. 75 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act that nullifies a Department of Energy rule setting energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. The resolution states that the DOE rule published on January 21, 2025, shall have no force or effect.
In practical terms, the bill blocks the new federal efficiency standards from taking effect and preserves the regulatory status quo for manufacturers, distributors, and users of commercial refrigeration equipment. Because it is a disapproval resolution, it does not create a new regulatory program; instead, it overturns an existing agency rule and prevents the agency from enforcing those standards as issued.
Impact
The resolution directly affects federal energy-efficiency regulation by invalidating DOE standards for commercial refrigeration equipment under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code. It removes the rule from legal effect, which means affected businesses are not subject to the specific requirements in the disapproved rule and the Department of Energy cannot implement those standards as finalized. The measure does not amend state law, but it changes the federal regulatory landscape for appliance manufacturers, commercial food-service operators, and other parties that buy or use refrigeration equipment.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests the measure was supported by a majority but remained partisan and somewhat contested. The House passed the resolution 214-193, and the Senate advanced and approved it by narrow margins of 52-46 and 52-45, indicating meaningful opposition. The overall sentiment appears favorable among supporters of limiting the DOE rule, while opponents likely viewed the resolution as weakening energy-efficiency policy.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether the Department of Energy should be allowed to impose the commercial refrigeration efficiency standards or whether Congress should block them. Supporters of the resolution likely argued that the rule was overly burdensome, costly, or unnecessary for regulated industries, while opponents likely favored the energy savings and emissions reductions associated with the standards. The close votes indicate disagreement over the balance between federal energy conservation goals and compliance costs for manufacturers and commercial users.
Related
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.