Pallone Floor Remarks in Opposition to Republicans’ H.R. 6192 That Drives Up Energy Costs for American Families

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following remarks on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 6192, the so-called Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6192, legislation that should actually be titled the Republicans Raising Energy Bills on American Families Act, because that’s exactly what this bill does. This bill is just the latest in the Republicans’ polluters over people agenda that will drive up annual energy costs on hardworking American families. 

Now this bill is a blatant attempt by House Republicans to derail the successful and effective energy conservation program. Energy efficiency standards save Americans money on their energy bills, boost innovation by modernizing appliances for the future, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution in our ongoing efforts to combat the climate crisis.  

American families are already saving up to $500 a year on utility bills thanks to the energy efficiency standards that are already in place. And the Biden Administration has been busy with additional actions that will collectively save Americans $1 trillion over the next 30 years. One trillion dollars! Setting energy efficiency standards is something that the Department of Energy is required, by Congress, to do. The Biden Administration has been busy acting because the previous Trump Administration refused to do its job and neglected to finalize 25 appliance efficiency standards.  

Now H.R. 6192 takes an axe to energy conservation standards. It slows down the standards setting process, allows future administrations to revoke existing standards, and bans states from setting their own conservation standards. 

If this bill becomes law, manufacturers will be faced with market uncertainty and a regulatory about-face every time the government changes hands. That’s problematic for future innovation, particularly considering that many of the efficiency standards finalized by the Department of Energy were reached through consensus recommendations made by appliance manufacturers and efficiency advocates. 

Now the Department of Energy has a robust process for setting efficiency standards. And this process works. All standards must be economically justified and technologically feasible.  

And let me be clear – because we are likely to hear a lot of fearmongering and misinformation today from my Republican colleagues – energy efficiency standards are NOT bans and they do NOT impact existing appliances in Americans’ homes. This legislation is nothing more than an attempt to scare consumers so Republicans can protect their polluter friends.  

Instead of legislating on important, pressing issues, Republicans are pushing a bill that will increase energy prices for American families. This Republican Congress is the least productive of any Congress since the Great Depression. This bill is only being brought to the floor because Republicans can’t assemble the votes to actually accomplish anything for the American people. And they talk about freedom for appliances but refuse to consider any legislation that would give women freedom over their reproductive health.  

So Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation because it will raise energy costs on American families, stifle American innovation, and exacerbate the climate crisis. It’s time House Republicans stop wasting our time on partisan messaging bills that have no chance of becoming law.

And with that I reserve the balance of my time.

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