The Biden administration’s latest regulations on home appliances, including air conditioners, are nothing but a blatant attempt to overregulate and micromanage the market. These regulations, which supposedly aim to reduce carbon emissions and save consumers money, will do nothing but compromise product quality and increase costs for American families.
Critics have rightly pointed out that the industry has been improving technology on its own, without any government intervention. The government’s meddling in the industry will only lead to higher costs for consumers, particularly for low-income households.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has warned that the estimated savings from energy efficiency rules do not add up during this time of high inflation, yet the Biden administration persists in its misguided efforts.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm would go on to make a statement about the proposed idea, saying:
“Today’s announcement builds on the historic actions President Biden took last year to strengthen outdated energy efficiency standards, which will help save on people’s energy bills and reduce our nation’s carbon footprint,”
Despite mounting opposition, the Department of Energy (DOE) continues to defend its actions, citing projected savings of $1.5 billion annually and reduced carbon dioxide emissions over three decades. However, these supposed benefits are nothing but a facade to cover up the DOE’s overreach into the private sector.
Critics like Ben Lieberman, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, argue that the government’s mandates enforce a level of efficiency that doesn’t make sense and will ultimately compromise product quality:
“What these mandates, what these standards do is enforce a level of efficiency that doesn’t make sense. And they compromise product quality. We’ve already seen this to an extent with cost of clothes washer standards.”
While some may support the new regulations, they cannot ignore the impact they will have on low-income households and the overall quality of appliances. The AHAM may support the air cleaner rule, but they remain concerned about other actions. The industry already produces innovative and energy-efficient appliances, and further government regulation will only hinder progress.
It’s time for the Biden administration to stop its needless interference in the market and let the industry continue to innovate on its own. The diminishing or nonexistent marginal returns of further government regulation will only harm American families, who will be forced to pay higher prices for lower-quality appliances.
Out of my hot dead hands. F—k that retarded prick
hmmm
ok