Overview

• The House of Representatives passed the Republican-led Liberty in Laundry Act with a 215-200 vote, seeking to prevent new energy efficiency standards for washing machines.
• The bill, introduced by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), would block the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing standards deemed not 'cost-effective or technologically feasible.'
• The DOE's updated regulations are projected to save $39 billion in energy and water costs and reduce 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 30 years.
• Republicans argue the new standards represent government overreach, while Democrats criticize the bill for ignoring agreements between appliance manufacturers and energy advocates.
• The legislation is unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, continuing a broader GOP effort to oppose Biden administration energy policies.