The Biden administration is at it again, trying to limit the freedom and choices of American consumers. The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new proposed rule that would crackdown on home hot water heaters. Critics are warning that this is just the beginning of a string of proposed rules from the Biden administration on appliances, which will further limit consumer power.
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
Under the new proposed rule, consumers will be forced to purchase expensive heat pump technology in order to achieve efficiency gains. This will greatly limit options for consumers, who will have to shell out more money upfront for equipment that may not even end up saving them money in the long run.
The DOE claims that these standards will save consumers $11 billion annually on utility bills and $198 billion over 30 years, but these claims are questionable at best. The upfront costs of installing heat pump water heaters are often so high that many consumers will never see the long-term savings promised by the government.
Furthermore, non-condensing gas-fired heaters, which are cheaper and have a smaller size and lower installation costs, will be forced off the market if the proposed rule goes into effect. This will limit choices for consumers and make it harder for them to find affordable options for their homes.
The Biden administration seems to be on a mission to regulate everything that plugs in or fires up around the house. They have already finalized or proposed 18 different efficiency standards for a variety of products, including gas stoves, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. This government overreach is unnecessary and will only serve to limit consumer choices and raise prices for everyday Americans.
The DOE claims that the proposed standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 500 million tons over 30 years, but this is negligible compared to the impact that other sectors of the economy will have on emissions. These regulations will do more harm than good, limiting options for consumers and driving up costs across the board.
It’s time for the Biden administration to leave us alone and let consumers make their own choices about what’s best for their homes and their budgets. These regulations are nothing more than a power grab by the government and will only serve to limit our freedoms as Americans. It’s time to stand up against this government overreach and demand that our voices be heard.
