WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J.Res.20, which would repeal updated energy efficiency standards for water heaters.
Set by the U.S. Department of Energy last year, these standards were set to save the average household $112 on their utility bills over the lifetime of a new water heater. The savings would total $3.1 billion cumulatively.
The following is a statement from Jackie Wong, senior vice president of Climate & Energy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“This makes no sense. Eliminating commonsense standards for water heaters would increase energy bills for American families, undermine our energy independence, and slow the transition to a sustainable future.”
“Water heaters are one of the biggest energy hogs in your home; so, a vote for this bill is a vote to increase Americans’ monthly energy bills. Lawmakers are taking money out of your wallet and handing it over to fossil fuel companies. For Americans struggling to pay their energy bills, this is a slap in the face.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
