Americans across the country are concerned as the Biden Administration takes the latest step in its war against the working households of America.
The Department of Energy is expected to soon finalize regulations that restrict which gas furnaces can be purchased by consumers. This is due to a proposed rule that would require furnaces to have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% by 2029, a significant jump from the current market standard efficiency rate of 80%.
Experts are worried about the effect this would have on consumers, as it would restrict choice, drive prices higher, and have little to no impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ben Lieberman, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, sums it up best, saying, “This is a classic example of one size not fitting all. Every home is different, every homeowner is different and people are best off having a wide range of choices.”
The American Gas Association, which provides natural gas to over 74 million customers nationwide, voiced opposition to the proposed rule, arguing that consumers would be better served if the agency allowed the free market to naturally increase product efficiency.
It has been estimated that between 40 to 60 percent of the current residential furnaces on the market would be banned from being sold to consumers if this new rule is finalized. This will likely result in much higher installation costs for consumers that wish to upgrade their current furnace.
It appears that this new regulation is part of the Biden Administration’s larger strategy to phase out gas furnaces, narrow consumer choices, and outlaw internal combustion engines as part of the Green New Deal.
As Republicans prepare for the 2022 midterms and beyond, it may become increasingly important for them to prioritize rolling back these regulations so the U.S. can remain energy independent. This would serve to protect many households, many of whom already face financial hardship due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The only people who stand to benefit from the proposed rule are the wealthy, who can afford to pay for the difference in costs between gas furnaces and alternative energy sources.
In the end, it would seem that this is another unjustified attempt by the Biden Administration to dictate the way Americans live their lives, rather than allowing them the freedom to make their own decisions.