Senate Approves Resolution to Overturn Biden-Harris DOE Water Heater Rule
Resolution introduced by Alabama’s Gary Palmer now goes to President Trump for signing
The U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 20, a joint resolution aimed at nullifying a Department of Energy (DOE) regulation concerning energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters on April 10, 2025. The resolution, introduced by Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL6), had previously cleared the House of Representatives in February.
The Senate vote concluded with a 53–44 majority in favor of the resolution. Notably, Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock joined Republicans in supporting the measure.
The DOE rule in question, published on December 26, 2024, sought to implement stricter energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. Critics argued that the regulation would effectively remove certain non-condensing models from the market, potentially impacting consumer choice and increasing costs.
Rep. Palmer expressed approval following the Senate's decision, stating, "I applaud the Senate on passing this legislation to protect not only gas water heaters, but consumers."
In February, when the resolution passed the House, Palmer said, “In November, the American people gave the Republican party a mandate to put the people first. By passing H.J. Res 20, we are fulfilling that mandate. This is a major step towards undoing the previous administration’s attack on home appliances and reinstating the importance of consumer choice. Not only does this bill protect gas water heaters, but it protects all natural gas appliances. I look forward to seeing this bill pass in the Senate and eventually land on President Trump’s desk.”
The resolution now advances to President Trump's desk for consideration. If signed into law, it will officially repeal the DOE's rule, maintaining the availability of a broader range of gas water heater models for consumers.
The President is expected to sign the resolution, as it is in keeping with his previous efforts to undo many Obama-Biden-Harris environmental overreaches.
