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Senate Follows House in Killing Biden Reg Imposing Curbs on Energy Use of Walk-In Coolers
Senate Republicans voted to repeal a Biden administration regulation pertaining to walk-in freezers and coolers Thursday, in a move they say will save small-business owners money. The resolution, H.J. Res. 24, passed 53-42 on a straight party-line vote.
The Congressional Review Act resolution eliminates then-President Joe Biden’s 2024 limits on the energy use of walk-in coolers, which are used by many small businesses. It had passed the House 203-182 on March 27 on a mostly party-line vote.
Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., who introduced the regulation on the House side, argued that the energy-efficiency standards were a source of financial strain for owners of pharmacies, stores, and restaurants, while providing little benefit.
ICYMI: Yesterday, the House passed my resolution, H.J.Res 24, which removes burdensome regulations on walk-in coolers and freezers. While this may seem small, it carries a one billion dollar price tag.Watch ? pic.twitter.com/UnSrHGbIwD— Rep. Stephanie Bice (@RepBice) March 28, 2025
“[The Department of Energy] estimates that the rule would carry a minimum price tag of nearly $1 billion, with minimal energy-usage reduction,” said Bice on the House floor in March.
“This action [of repealing the rule] aligns with our broader commitment to roll back burdensome regulations that stifle economic growth and infringe upon individual freedoms,” she said.
After the vote, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., applauded the resolution, calling it an “Easy ‘yes’ vote,” and fellow Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford also applauded it on X
But Democrats have argued the rule is a waste of time.
Rep. Sarah McBride, R-Del., the first transgender member of Congress, posted on X, “the absurdity never ends in a Republican-controlled House of Representatives.”
If you're wondering what the House of Representatives is voting on later today, it's legislation to repeal energy efficiency rules for commercial fridges and freezers that actually save small businesses and consumers money. The absurdity never ends. pic.twitter.com/XduNV36aUI— Congresswoman Sarah McBride (@Rep_McBride) March 27, 2025
Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., shouted, “You think that the American people voted for you to waste our time on refrigeration standards?” when the resolution was debated in the House.
The economy is in chaos, the Defense Department is trying to cover up leaking war plans in a group chat, and Trump and Elon Musk are dismantling vital programs….and what is the GOP using precious Floor time on this week?Repealing refrigerator efficiency standards.That’s… pic.twitter.com/xMhgqnyDVN— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) March 26, 2025
The resolution is another step in a broader Republican effort to undo a number of Biden administration regulations. Another example is the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 17.
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