Industry Groups Applaud Senate Resolution on Gas Furnace Efficiency Standards

Senate Resolution to Reverse Gas Furnace Efficiency Standards Receives Industry Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Industry groups have come out in support of a resolution authored by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that aims to reverse a rule by the Biden administration’s Department of Energy on gas furnace efficiency standards. The resolution, which passed through the Senate last week and is now heading to the House of Representatives, would effectively overturn the ban on non-condensing gas furnace models.

In a statement following the Senate vote, Sen. Cruz urged the House to take up the resolution quickly and pass it. Industry leaders have also voiced their support for the resolution, citing concerns about the economic impact and consumer choice.

Adam Temple, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), expressed concerns about the increasing costs and red tape for small business owners due to government regulations. He stated that the DOE’s rule would ultimately raise input costs for small businesses and increase inflationary pressures.

Talbot Gee, CEO of Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), highlighted the bipartisan support for Sen. Cruz’s resolution and emphasized the need to protect consumer choice for HVAC products. Gee stated that the DOE rule failed to consider the total cost of retrofitting homes to use condensing furnaces.

Joe Cornetta, President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC National), applauded Sen. Cruz for questioning the DOE’s actions and introducing legislation to repeal the rule on non-condensing gas furnaces.

Thomas Pyle, President of the American Energy Alliance, praised Sen. Cruz for fighting against policies that could lead to higher prices for American families. Pyle emphasized the importance of keeping home heating and cooling affordable.

Stuart Saulters, Vice President of Government Relations for the American Public Gas Association (APGA), expressed appreciation for Sen. Cruz’s efforts to roll back the DOE rule, which could force consumers to switch to costly electric alternatives.

Barton James, President of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), thanked Sen. Cruz and his colleagues for their work on the resolution, calling it a win for both the HVACR industry and residential heating consumers.

Tim Stewart, President of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA), commended Sen. Cruz for saving American households money and preventing the need for costly retrofits to accommodate electric furnaces.

Steve Kaminski, President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), praised the Senate for taking action to protect consumer choice and access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources.

The industry groups are hopeful that the House will pass the resolution, providing relief to small businesses and consumers impacted by the DOE’s gas furnace efficiency standards.