Bill to protect affordable appliance choices for consumers passes U.S. House of Representatives

The American Gas Association applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for the bipartisan passage of H.R. 4626, the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act, introduced by Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA). This legislation amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the way the U.S. Department of Energy updates energy conservation standards.

"I am encouraged by action taken by the House to recenter appliance standards towards the original intent of the statue to focus on energy efficiency and cost savings which ensures natural gas appliances get fair consideration," said AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert. "Customers deserve the right to choose the appliances that are right for them and their families. This bill is a productive first step in what we hope will be an ongoing dialogue with the Senate to maintain access to the natural gas appliances customers overwhelmingly want."

H.R. 4626, the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act, will now move to the U.S. Senate, where AGA encourages the Senate to ensure efficiency standards save consumers energy and money while maintaining customer choice and access to fuels like natural gas.

Households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $1,030 per year compared to homes using electricity for those applications. Over ten years, American families have saved a total of $99 billion thanks to the low cost of natural gas. Additionally, homes that use natural gas for space and water heating, cooking and clothes drying have 22% lower emissions than all-electric homes. Efficient gas equipment is expected to cut home greenhouse gas emissions up to 40% by 2040.