Statement in Response to Resolution to Overturn Furnace Efficiency Standards

February 1, 2024 — Press Release

In response to Senator Cruz’s introduction of a resolution to overturn furnace efficiency standards, Charlie Harak, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center issued the following statement.

“Strong efficiency standards for gas-fired furnaces have been delayed for two decades now, due to the opposition of gas utility trade associations, even while some large gas companies have supported the rule. The long delay in updating furnace efficiency standards has cost consumers untold billions in higher energy bills,” said Charlie Harak, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “Undoing this rule would bring significantly higher costs to consumers, particularly renters, who are disproportionately low-income. Ensuring all models are efficient means renters will stop getting stuck with high bills to stay warm.”