Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A range of industry groups today expressed support for a resolution authored and passed through the Senate last week by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, as it advances to the House of Representatives. The resolution disapproves of and reverses a rule by the Biden administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) on gas furnace efficiency standards, which would effectively ban non-condensing gas furnace models.

Sen. Cruz commented, “I urge the House to take up this Resolution expeditiously and pass it.”

Industry leaders voiced their perspectives:

Adam Temple, Vice President of Advocacy at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), stated: “This DOE furnace regulation is one of the many burdensome and costly regulations flowing out of Washington. Small business owners are overwhelmed with the countless government regulations that are increasing costs and red tape for their businesses. In this case, the DOE has misrepresented the economic impact this rule will have on small businesses as it will ultimately increase the input costs of small business owners and increase inflationary pressures. We support Senator Cruz' efforts to repeal DOE’s burdensome rule and provide relief to small businesses.”

Talbot Gee, CEO of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), remarked: “HARDI is excited to see the bipartisan support for Senator Cruz’s CRA resolution. This resolution is a necessary response to the inherently flawed DOE rule-making process, which failed to adequately consider the total cost of retrofitting a home to use condensing furnaces. As a trade association representing wholesale distributors of HVAC products, we are dedicated to protecting and promoting consumer choice for all products. We are grateful for Senator Cruz's support as he stands with us in our efforts to shield consumers from the increasing costs caused by more regulations.”

Joe Cornetta, President of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC National), said: “PHCC applauds the extraordinary efforts of Senator Cruz to call into question the acts of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by introducing legislation to invoke the Congressional Review Act in relationship to the onerous elimination of non-condensing gas furnaces.”

Thomas Pyle, President of American Energy Alliance, added: “The Biden Administration’s relentless attack on the lifestyle and pocketbooks of American families hit a roadblock today thanks to the leadership of Senator Ted Cruz. Whether it is gas stoves or cars or in this case furnaces, Senator Cruz is fighting misguided attacks on domestic oil and natural gas and helping shield American families from even higher prices brought about by President Joe Biden's policies. The American Energy Alliance applauds Senator Cruz for advancing free markets and helping keep home heating and cooling affordable.”

Stuart Saulters, Vice President of Government Relations at American Public Gas Association (APGA), noted: “APGA appreciates Senator Cruz leading legislative efforts to roll back a greatly flawed Department of Energy (DOE) rulemaking that finalized a new minimum efficiency standard for residential gas furnaces. We are also grateful his colleagues followed his lead and passed a resolution disapproval [sic]. The rule wrongfully drives costly fuel switching as it bans a popular appliance technology — non-condensing furnaces — from market access [sic]. Without access to this technology many consumers will be forced into costly retrofits or switch electric alternatives [sic], potentially forcing vulnerable communities into less affordable options than direct natural gas use [sic]. APGA hopes House now passes important resolution [sic].”

Barton James, President Air Conditioning Contractors America ACCA said [sic]:“On behalf Air Conditioning Contractors America membership sincerely thank Senator Cruz staff colleagues Senate elevate important issue vote win HVACR industry residential heating consumers important step right direction consumer choice residential heating market away unnecessary government overreach[sic]”.

Tim Stewart President US Oil Gas Association USOGA said "Senator great first step restore common sense three years absurd energy policy saved majority American households $6700 importantly retrofit homes accommodate electric furnace want DOE claims new regulations eventually cut household utility costs $1 5 billion annually fail mention consumers industry spend tens billions dollars comply new regulations eventually save $1 5 billion Senator should applauded efforts" Steve Kaminski CEO National Propane Gas Association NPGA commends action protect families voting preserve consumer choice availability NPGA members oppose Conservation Standards Consumer Furnaces actions taken federal state local governments restrict deny consumer access clean reliable affordable sources