River Bend Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced H.R. 7637, known as the "Refrigerator Freedom Act," introduced by U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01). The legislation aims to restrict the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing energy efficiency standards on refrigerators that are deemed not cost-effective or technologically feasible.

In a statement, Miller-Meeks criticized the current administration's regulations, stating, "The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden Administration have done nothing but implement outrageous regulations that only serve to limit consumer choice, increase energy prices, and control everything Americans are able to do on a day-to-day basis." She further expressed her commitment to consumer choice, saying, “I’m proud that my bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I will continue to ensure American consumers have freedom to choose what type of appliances they want in their own home.”

The bill addresses concerns raised after the Biden Administration issued regulations on refrigerators and freezers, which were seen to inflate prices, reduce choices, and affect performance. The DOE's argument that these regulations would save consumers money over time was met with skepticism regarding the lengthy payback period.

This move by the Energy and Commerce Committee marks a step towards ensuring consumer freedom in appliance choices, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and technological feasibility.