A bipartisan House vote to repeal Biden-era energy standards for commercial refrigeration has reignited debate over regulatory costs and climate goals.
At a Glance
- The House voted to overturn federal energy rules for walk-in coolers and commercial fridges.
- Supporters say the rules hurt small businesses, especially in rural areas.
- Critics argue the rollback undermines long-term energy savings.
- The resolutions now head to the Senate for consideration.
House Votes to Repeal Cooler Efficiency Rules
On March 27, the House passed two resolutions to roll back Department of Energy (DOE) rules aimed at improving energy efficiency in commercial refrigeration equipment. One measure, introduced by Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), targeted walk-in coolers and freezers. Another, from Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX), sought to repeal updated standards for commercial fridges and freezers.
Both measures passed with some bipartisan support, with the cooler-related resolution approved by a vote of 214–193. Lawmakers used the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn recent federal rules with a simple majority vote and no filibuster, according to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Economic Relief or Energy Setback?
Supporters of the repeal argue the DOE’s standards would have imposed high compliance costs without significant benefits. “Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential for pharmacies, convenience stores, food banks, and restaurants,” said Rep. Bice, noting that the mandates were expected to cost businesses over $1 billion.
Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), who chair relevant House subcommittees, echoed concerns that the regulations would raise prices without improving food safety or producing clear savings. “Yet another example of needless regulation raising prices,” they said in a joint statement.
Critics of the DOE rules have also pointed to long equipment payback periods—up to 90 years in some cases—as evidence the standards lacked practicality. Their repeal, they say, helps small businesses avoid unnecessary financial strain.
Conservation Advocates Warn of Long-Term Costs
Opponents of the rollback argue the energy efficiency standards were modest and would have led to billions in energy savings. Andrew deLaski of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project warned that canceling the rules “locks in needless energy waste” and increased operating costs for years to come.
Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) questioned the logic of repealing standards at a time of high energy prices. “It’s baffling to me that amid skyrocketing electricity costs, we are talking about overturning common-sense energy efficiency standards,” Mullin said.
Environmental groups also emphasized that updated standards were a key part of national climate efforts, especially in energy-intensive industries like food storage and retail.
What Comes Next in the Senate
The two resolutions now head to the Senate, where only a simple majority is needed for final approval. If passed and signed into law, they would prevent the DOE from reinstating similar standards in the future.
While the Biden administration has defended the rules as essential for energy savings and emissions reduction, the debate over their cost and impact will likely continue. Lawmakers on both sides are now weighing the trade-off between short-term business relief and long-term sustainability goals.
Watch video coverage of the House vote on energy efficiency standards.
