Overview

• The Department of Energy has formally rolled back multiple Biden-era appliance efficiency standards, including those for water heaters, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.
• Congress has passed legislation introduced by Rep. Brian Jack and Sen. Ted Cruz to permanently block stricter water heater standards; President Trump is expected to sign it next week.
• The Biden-era water heater rules would have effectively banned non-condensing tankless models, threatening over 200 jobs at Rinnai's Griffin, Georgia, manufacturing plant.
• Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted $24 billion in projected consumer savings from deregulation and announced plans to target rules on gas stoves and furnaces next.
• The rollback reflects the administration's focus on reducing regulatory burdens, preserving domestic manufacturing jobs, and expanding consumer choice in the appliance market.