Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) has a three-word response to the Biden administration’s latest green energy scheme that would implement new hot water heating standards and disrupt the market.
“Leave us alone,” Massie tweeted in response to the news that Biden’s Department of Energy plans to update hot water heater standards. Reuters reported that those standards would require “most common-sized electric water heaters to achieve efficiency gains with heat pump technology” while gas-fired water heaters would be forced to use condensing technology.
Massie went on to explain that such “products already exist in the free market,” thus negating the need for more government interference.
The Energy Department claims that these new standards would help save consumers billions upon billions of dollars. Critics say that the new standards are “technologically impossible” and would limit choice.
“Consumers should decide whether the upfront cost of a heat-pump water heater is worth the possible long term savings,” Massie added. “In many cases, the monthly savings never make up for the upfront cost of the equipment.”
Leave us alone.
These products already exist in the free market. Consumers should decide whether the upfront cost of a heat-pump water heater is worth the possible long term savings. In many cases, the monthly savings never make up for the upfront cost of the equipment. https://t.co/I0j36USrr4
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 22, 2023
Reuters also reported the Biden administration has already finalized or proposed 18 new efficiency standards for a range of products. These new rules are often touted under the guise of health, safety, and fighting climate change.
Most infamously, the Biden administration has been pushing to create new standards for gas stoves — which experts say would effectively remove gas stoves from the market by making them too expensive.
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Indeed, in May, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm announced new efficiency regulations for dishwashers, beverage vending machines, and electric motors.
The Daily Wire previously reported that new dishwashers imported into the United States beginning in 2027 would have to consume 27% less power and use 34% less water, while more compact models would need to implement a 22% power reduction and an 11% water use reduction, according to an analysis of the proposal released by Bloomberg Law.
But, similarly to other products, those changes will force companies to pour time and money into creating new products that meet those standards — the cost of which will get passed onto the consumer.
In reaction to the latest attack on water heaters, conservative conservationist Gabriella Hoffman tweeted, “How is banning gas stoves, water heaters, & modern conveniences ‘energy efficient’ & a ‘cost savings’ measure? (It’s not.)”
“Who’s benefitting? (The green energy lobby),” she asserted. “If we dare question proposed rule making that’s published on gov’t websites, we’re now stoking a culture war.”
How is banning gas stoves, water heaters, & modern conveniences "energy efficient" & a "cost savings" measure? (It's not.)
Who's benefitting? (The green energy lobby.)
If we dare question proposed rule making that's published on gov't websites, we're now stoking a culture war.
— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) July 22, 2023
Related: Nearly 50% Of Gas Stoves Could Be Removed From Market Under Potential New Energy Standard: Report
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.