House Republicans Vote Against Consumers with Stance Against Energy Efficient Appliances

Washington, DC - Today, Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 6192, the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act, a bill that would significantly limit the Department of Energy's capacity to enforce energy efficiency standards. 

The vote, which fell largely along party lines, would harm consumers should it become law. Energy efficiency standards for appliances are proven to cut annual consumer costs by an average of $500 and are projected to save $2 trillion in energy costs by 2030. These standards also support over 2.2 million American jobs, primarily in small businesses nationwide; enhance grid reliability and improve public health; and provide substantial benefits to low-income households disproportionately affected by high energy expenses.
 

In reaction, Sierra Club Deputy Legislative Director for Clean Energy and Electrification Xavier Boatright released the following statement: 

“Folks who support stripping away appliance efficiency standards do not stand with average Americans - this bill, and proposed legislation like it, is anti-consumer, plain and simple. Energy efficiency standards mean folks use less energy to perform the everyday tasks in their homes like doing laundry or washing dishes. Not only does that translate to a lower energy bill each month, but it also puts less of a burden on the grid, especially during extreme weather events when demand is high and access to energy can be lifesaving. We will work to see that this bill is effectively blocked in the Senate.”

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