New DOE protocols will reverse appliance regulations and increase liquified natural gas exports.
The Trump administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) has announced major moves in recent weeks, simplifying regulations relating to energy production and consumption in the United States.
The implementation of federal government mandates targeting three common household appliances – previously set in motion by the Biden-Harris administration – are now delayed.
Regulations outlining testing protocols for air conditioners and heat pumps, as well as efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers and gas instantaneous water heaters are all included in the announcement.
In a statement issued by the DOE on Monday, Secretary Chris Wright noted that the Trump administration was “returning freedom of choice to the American people, ensuring consumers can choose the home appliances that work best for their lives and budgets.”
Wright’s statement also emphasized past deregulatory actions taken by his department in withdrawing conservation standards for electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies.
Congressional Republicans have taken steps to eliminate Biden-era energy regulations altogether under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) have both sponsored legislation that aims to decrease duplicative burdens for consumers.
Bice’s resolution aims to nullify the efficiency standard on walk-in coolers and freezers and Goldman’s proposal targets commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Both rules were rolled into one combined resolution Monday and passed favorably by the full House chamber Tuesday.
President Trump’s “Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation” Executive Order has served as a guide for a number of red tape cutting measures during his first few months in office.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration also announced the approval of a major liquified natural gas (LNG) export project, which was paused under the Biden administration due to their desire to study the economic and environmental impacts of the plans.
The Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2) project based in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and led by Venture Global is expected “to export up to 3.96 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG” per a DOE statement.
Secretary Wright sees the move as an opportunity to restore American energy dominance, adding that “the benefits of expanding U.S. LNG exports have never been clearer, and I am proud to be taking action to support the American people and our allies abroad with more affordable, reliable, secure American energy.”
