Cruz emphasized the need to protect consumer choice and prevent federal bureaucrats from dictating appliance standards.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is leading the charge to permanently repeal a Biden-era regulation targeting natural gas water heaters.
The Biden administration’s rule, issued by the Department of Energy in the waning days of the administration, imposed strict efficiency standards that would have phased out many gas-powered water heaters in favor of electric models. Critics warned that the regulation was less about energy savings and more about forcing Americans toward higher-cost electric alternatives.
President Donald Trump has already signed executive orders reversing several Biden-era environmental regulations, including stringent energy efficiency rules. Cruz’ resolution would ensure that the mandate would go away for good.
In a statement, Cruz emphasized the need to protect consumer choice and prevent federal bureaucrats from dictating appliance standards.
“Once again, Democrats are waging a war on household appliances under the guise of combating climate change,” said Cruz. “This rule, rushed through by the Biden administration in its final days, does more harm than good. It forces American families to choose between costly, high-end models or less efficient alternatives—limiting their options and undermining their freedom of choice. American families deserve access to affordable, reliable appliances without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.”
The resolution is co-sponsored by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Mike Lee (R-Utah).
Last month, in the final days of the Biden presidency, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a multi-state legal challenge against the regulation.
Several of the organizations that joined the lawsuit have also expressed support for Cruz’ legislation, including Rinnai America Corporation, National Propane Gas Association, National Association of Homebuilders, American Gas Association, and American Public Gas Association.