McClellan Opposes Republicans’ Home Appliances Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted against H.R. 6192, legislation that would gut the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ability to finalize and enforce efficiency standards for common household appliances.

H.R. 6192 threatens the Biden-Harris Administration’s past and planned energy efficiency actions, which will save Americans $1 trillion and cut greenhouse gas pollution by more than 2.5 billion metric tons over the next 30 years. The finalized energy efficiency standards for residential refrigerators and freezers could save families more than $36 billion over 30 years. The recently finalized standards for residential water heaters are expected to save households approximately $7.6 billion per year on their energy and water bills.

“While House Democrats fight to protect reproductive freedom and voting rights, House Republicans focus on protecting polluters,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “This bill is a ridiculous waste of time and fear mongering that only peddles Republicans’ false claims that Democrats want to take away Americans’ appliances. The Department of Energy is required by law to implement energy efficiency standards–which do not impact existing appliances in Americans’ homes–and the agency’s efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration are expected to save Americans billions of dollars in the coming years. But Republicans are more concerned with petty political games than lowering costs for the American people. While House Democrats are putting people over politics, this bill shows that House Republicans are putting polluters over people.”

Energy efficiency standards are popular, commonsense tools to save Americans money on their energy bills. Three out of five Americans support stronger energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings. Many of the efficiency standards finalized by DOE were reached through consensus recommendations made by appliance manufacturers and efficiency advocates.

McClellan spoke in opposition to the bill on the House floor during debate. The bill passed on a vote of 212 to 195. Watch McClellan’s floor speech here. Read the full bill text here.