Tag

Gas Appliances

All articles tagged with #gas appliances

energy-efficiency2 years ago

Legal Challenges Mount Against Energy Department's Appliance Efficiency Standards

The Biden administration is updating appliance efficiency standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save Americans money on utility costs. However, the natural gas industry and conservative politicians have pushed back against these standards, turning them into a flashpoint in the country's culture war. Former President Donald Trump has rolled back efficiency standards in the past, falsely claiming that newer dishwashers are less effective. Critics argue that efficiency standards limit consumer choices and allege government overreach. Despite opposition, the Department of Energy is proceeding with reviews of energy conservation standards, with the goal of reducing emissions and saving Americans billions of dollars.

energy2 years ago

Legal Challenge Filed Against Biden Administration's Gas Appliance Crackdown

The American Gas Association (AGA) and other trade associations have filed a legal challenge against the Biden administration's regulations targeting gas-powered residential furnaces, arguing that the rules effectively ban the sale of a large portion of furnaces enjoyed by consumers. The regulations, which require furnaces to achieve a higher fuel utilization efficiency, would remove up to 60% of current residential furnaces from the market and impact over half of American households. The AGA claims that the regulations will saddle families and businesses with increased costs and little environmental gain. The Department of Energy defends the regulations, stating that they will lead to more efficient appliances, lower costs, and reduced carbon emissions.

health-and-environment2 years ago

"Shocking Study Exposes Home Appliance with Higher Benzene Emissions than Secondhand Smoke, Posing Cancer Risk"

A new study has found that gas-powered appliances, such as stoves, can release higher levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene than secondhand smoke, posing health risks. The study, conducted by Stanford University, revealed that indoor concentrations of benzene formed in gas stove flames can be worse than average concentrations from secondhand smoke. Switching to energy-efficient electric appliances can improve air quality and mitigate health issues, especially among children. Benzene is widely used in various products and is linked to childhood asthma and an increased risk of certain cancers. The study highlights the need for better ventilation systems and the adoption of clean energy solutions to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and protect health.

politics2 years ago

"Manchin leads fight against Biden's gas stove ban"

Senator Joe Manchin is opposing the Biden administration's regulations targeting gas-powered home appliances, arguing that the Department of Energy should allow the free market to improve product technology rather than force changes through regulation. Manchin expressed concern with rules aimed at electrifying gas appliances, stating that it could strain the power grid and lead to increased consumer costs. The DOE has taken particular aim at gas-powered appliances in an effort to curb carbon emissions and tackle global warming. Manchin and Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act in February, which would prevent new federal regulations restricting which gas stoves Americans are able to purchase.

environment2 years ago

NY Takes Bold Step Towards Gas-Free Future with Ban on Gas Appliances in New Construction.

New York is set to become the first state in the US to mandate zero-emission appliances in new construction, requiring "zero-emission" appliances in new houses and buildings of seven stories or less, beginning in 2026. However, officials have dropped plans to prohibit the replacement of worn-out gas furnaces in existing structures. The legislation will only restrict new construction, but environmentalists are still cheering the move as a huge victory for the state's climate action efforts.

environment2 years ago

San Francisco Bay Area to Ban Gas Appliances in Favor of Electric

San Francisco regulators have approved regulations banning the future sales of certain natural gas-powered appliances as part of the city's climate agenda. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has greenlighted amendments to regulations related to eliminating nitrogen oxide emissions from natural gas furnaces and water heaters in the region. The action requires all commercial and residential furnaces and water heaters to be electric by 2027. The regulations don't require consumers to immediately switch to electric alternatives once they go into effect. The action notably leaves out banning gas-powered stoves.