CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Gary Palmer (R-AL)

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 Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

H.J.Res. 20 · House resolution Energy

A Republican resolution with 29 Republican cosponsors · See all 29 cosponsors

Last activity — Became Public Law No: 119-6.

Became law

Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.

Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House 221–198
  3. Passed Senate 53–44
  4. To President
  5. Became Law

What this bill would do

This joint resolution seeks to overturn a specific rule from the Department of Energy. The rule involves the "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters." By passing this resolution, Congress intends to disapprove of that rule under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code. If approved, the rule will have no force or effect.

Yes

  • Scored +3

    Would business owners be better off under this?

    Manufacturers of gas-fired water heaters are relieved of the compliance costs associated with the disapproved energy standards.

  • Scored +3

    Does this make it easier to run a small business?

    By nullifying the Department of Energy standards, the bill reduces regulatory burdens on businesses that manufacture or sell gas-fired water heaters.

  • Scored +1

    Does this leave more decisions to the states?

    The resolution limits the power of a federal agency to implement specific energy standards.

The opposite

  • Scored -3

    Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?

    The reversal of energy conservation standards may allow for continued use of less efficient appliances, potentially increasing carbon emissions over time.

  • Scored -2

    Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?

    The resolution removes specific energy efficiency standards designed to protect the environment through reduced energy consumption.

What Congress actually voted on

3 recorded votes have been taken on this bill. 2 of them decided something; the rest moved it along.

  • The House: the vote on whether to pass the bill This is the real decision in this chamber. Passing here sends the bill to the other chamber, which must pass it too before it can go to the President. Passed 221 yes · 198 no

    See who voted how →

    02/27/2025 · Roll call 53 · recorded as “On Passage”

  • The Senate: the vote on whether to pass the joint resolution A joint resolution is a bill by another name: it goes to the other chamber and then to the President. Most of them are used to overturn a rule an agency has made. Passed 53 yes · 44 no

    See who voted how →

    04/10/2025 · Roll call 207 · recorded as “On the Joint Resolution H.J.Res. 20”