NAHB Commends House Vote to Block Bans on Certain Gas Water Heaters

An NAHB-supported congressional resolution that overturns the Biden administration’s recent attempt to ban certain natural gas water heaters was approved by the House on Thursday.

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.

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.

A companion resolution introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is pending in the Senate, and NAHB will work with senators to advance this resolution in the Senate.