H.J.Res. 24 · 119th Congress · House
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
Introduced 2025-01-16 · Sponsored by Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5] (R-OK) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-05-09): Became Public Law No: 119-7.
Summary
Kills a DOE rule that would have raised energy efficiency requirements for commercial walk-in coolers and freezers. Restaurants, grocery stores, and other food businesses would have eventually needed to buy pricier, more efficient units. Congress used the CRA to block the rule before it took effect.
The Good
Reduces compliance costs for restaurants and grocery stores
Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential equipment for food service and retail. The new standards would have required upgrading to more efficient but costlier models, a burden that falls hardest on small businesses operating on thin margins.
Avoids supply chain disruption during transition
Manufacturers would need retooling time to meet new standards. During the transition, businesses needing replacements could face limited availability or inflated prices for compliant models.
The Bad
Blocks energy savings for commercial operators
Commercial refrigeration is one of the largest electricity consumers in retail and food service. DOE estimated the standards would save businesses significant money on electricity bills over the equipment lifetime, more than offsetting higher purchase costs.
Keeps commercial electricity demand higher than necessary
Walk-in coolers and freezers run continuously. Inefficient models waste electricity around the clock. Over millions of commercial units nationwide, the foregone efficiency gains add up to substantial excess electricity generation and associated emissions.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-04-03
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #162
Senate vote by state
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Senate, 2025-04-02
Motion to Proceed
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #161
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-03-27
Passage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #77
House vote by state
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