The House passed measures preventing the Energy Secretary from enforcing energy efficiency standards for various kitchen appliances, an effort by Republicans to portray the Biden administration’s regulations as a war on consumers. 

The two bills, which would bar the Energy Secretary from enforcing energy conservation standards for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers that are not “cost effective or technologically feasible,” passed mainly on party lines. The legislation related to rules for refrigerators and freezers, led by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), passed the lower chamber in a 212-192 vote, with seven Democrats voting in favor. Another bill regulating efficiency standards for dishwashers, introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), passed in a 214-192 vote.