Summary of the Bill

House Joint Resolution 24, introduced in the 119th Congress, seeks to nullify a specific rule put forth by the Department of Energy. This rule is related to energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. The resolution, if passed, would mean that the rule would no longer have any legal effect. This legislative action is made possible under chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to review and possibly disapprove new federal regulations before they are enforced.

Significant Issues Identified

One of the main issues with this resolution is the lack of clarity regarding how the disapproval process should be carried out. The phrase "shall have no force or effect" is not elaborated upon, potentially leading to confusion about the exact procedure to nullify the rule, which might invite legal challenges.

Furthermore, the resolution does not explain why Congress has chosen to disapprove of this particular rule. Without this context, it is difficult for stakeholders and the public to understand the motivations and implications behind the decision to block these energy standards. A reference in the bill to a Federal Register notice with a future date raises concerns about procedural accuracy, questioning whether such a notice exists or is accurately cited.

Moreover, the bill mentions that the rule was "submitted by the Department of Energy," suggesting a formal process of submission. However, it is unclear if additional procedural steps are required for this disapproval, which could lead to challenges in the legitimacy and completeness of the disapproval process.

Potential Impact on the Public

For the general public, the outcome of this resolution could have broader environmental and economic implications. Energy conservation standards typically aim to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing positively to environmental health. Therefore, nullifying these standards might hinder progress toward more sustainable energy use, impacting the public by potentially increasing energy costs or prolonging dependency on less efficient systems.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The disapproval of the Department of Energy's rule could have varied impacts on different stakeholders.

• Businesses in the refrigeration industry: Manufacturers and suppliers of walk-in coolers and freezers might benefit from the removal of these standards, as it could reduce compliance costs and operational burdens in implementing updated energy conservation measures.

• Environmental groups: Organizations focusing on sustainability and environmental protection might view this disapproval negatively, as it could slow efforts to decrease energy consumption and mitigate climate change impacts.

• Consumers: Depending on the pass-through of energy efficiency-related savings, consumers might be affected by changes in product prices and energy bills. If energy conservation standards lead to long-term savings, negating the rule might prevent these benefits.

Overall, while the resolution aims to address regulatory oversight, its broader implications require careful consideration concerning energy policy and environmental impact. The lack of transparency and explanation in the disapproval process could affect public perception and understanding of energy conservation priorities.