House · HJRES 24 · 119th Congress
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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers".
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Summary
This bill cancels a rule made by the Department of Energy in December 2024. That rule would have required walk-in coolers and freezers to meet stricter energy efficiency standards. Businesses that use this equipment, like grocery stores and restaurants, are most affected.
In Favor
Replacing working coolers and freezers on a federal timeline forces small businesses to spend money before their equipment wears out. This bill cancels that mandate and lets owners decide when to upgrade based on their own finances. Market competition already pushes businesses toward efficient equipment without a government deadline forcing costly replacements.
Against
The canceled rule would have cut energy use for walk-in coolers and freezers over time. Higher efficiency means lower electricity bills for businesses in the long run. Blocking the rule gives up those savings and keeps older, less efficient technology in use longer.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This resolution cancels a Department of Energy rule that set new energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. Congress used a law that lets it block agency rules before they take effect.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The resolution targets only the single Department of Energy rule on walk-in cooler and freezer efficiency standards. The provisions stay on topic.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Businesses and facilities that use walk-in coolers and freezers would no longer face the new efficiency standards. The Department of Energy loses the ability to enforce that specific rule.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The resolution itself does not authorize or spend federal money. Canceling the rule shifts the cost structure by removing compliance costs that the rule would have placed on cooler and freezer users and makers.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Without the rule, the Department of Energy would need to restart its process to set new standards for these products. The bill does not direct the agency to take any follow-up action.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026