A congressional resolution that overturns the Biden administration’s recent attempt to ban certain natural gas water heaters was approved by the House on Feb. 27, 2025.
H.J. Res. 20, the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Final Rule establishing Standards for Gas-Fired Instantaneous Water Heaters, rescinds the Biden administration’s rule that sought to ban non-condensing, natural-gas-fired water heaters by 2029.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB applauds the passage of H.J. Res 20 because the DOE’s push for a shift to more expensive condensing gas water heaters under the previous administration would raise housing costs and present substantial hurdles for remodeling and replacement projects, especially in older homes. Furthermore, NAHB believes the rule’s impact on the water heater market could set a dangerous precedent for further restrictions on natural gas appliances, ultimately making it harder for home owners to maintain affordable living standards.
