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Congress·Enacted·10 months ago

Blocking New Energy Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

203–182

✓ Senate
✓ President

Key Points

  • Congress is using its power to cancel a new rule from the Department of Energy. This rule would have set stricter energy-saving standards for walk-in coolers and freezers used in businesses like grocery stores, warehouses, and restaurants.
  • This action directly affects companies that make commercial refrigeration equipment and the businesses that buy them. By blocking the rule, these companies will not have to update their designs to meet the new federal efficiency requirements.
  • The goal of the original Department of Energy rule was to reduce energy waste and lower utility bills over time. However, critics often argue that these types of regulations make equipment more expensive for business owners to purchase upfront.
  • Because this is a formal disapproval by Congress, the Department of Energy is not allowed to create a similar rule in the future unless Congress passes a new law giving them permission to do so.

Milestones

8 milestones20 actions
May 9, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-7.

May 9, 2025

Signed by President.

May 5, 2025House

Presented to President.

Apr 7, 2025Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Apr 3, 2025Senate

Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 42. Record Vote Number: 162.

Vote Results

3 votes
HousePassedPassageMar 27, 2025

On Passage

203
182
Democrat
6 – 182 · 25
Republican
197 – 0 · 20
View full roll call
SenatePassedProceduralApr 2, 2025

On the Motion to Proceed

51
46
Democrat
0 – 44 · 1
Republican
51 – 0 · 2
Independent
0 – 2
View full roll call
SenatePassedApr 3, 2025

On the Joint Resolution

53
42
Democrat
0 – 40 · 5
Republican
53 – 0
Independent
0 – 2
View full roll call

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

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".

Bill NumberHJRES 24
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionBecame Public Law No: 119-7.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(10)
R: 10

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.