Americans who got hot under the collar after the Biden administration proposed bans on most air conditioners will lose their cool at new proposals aimed at ceiling fans.
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm proposes mandating ceiling fans be more energy efficient.
Secretary Granholm claims the average U.S. family would save about $39 over the life of the ceiling fan in reduced energy expense.
The department noted the financial burden on manufacturers due to the necessary equipment upgrades would amount to $86.6 million annually.
Republicans from the House Committee on Small Business fear the new rule, if implemented, could drive small manufacturers out of business due to financial strain from complying with the new standards.
“This rule would require numerous small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products and may put between 10 and 30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers out of business,” GOP committee members told Granholm in a letter they sent her.
“It appears that the Department of Energy may not have properly considered small entities during this rulemaking process,” they continued in their correspondence.
“These proposed standards, which are required by Congress, wouldn’t take effect until 2028, would give Americans more energy efficient options to choose from, and would save hardworking taxpayers up to $369 million per year, while substantially reducing harmful air pollution — a crucial fact that some have conveniently failed to mention,” a DOE spokesperson told FOX Business,
The spokesperson also noted ceiling fans that comply with the proposed regulations would reduce electricity costs for consumers by about 40% compared to the least efficient models currently available.
The DOE has estimated that new fans may cost approximately $10 more to purchase if the new rules are adopted. The agency claims the additional cost would be offset by energy bill savings within roughly four years.
This move follows Energy Department moves during the last two years to implement stricter regulations on household appliances.
The DOE has proposed new standards for appliances including gas stoves, ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and dishwashers in an effort to promote energy efficiency and conservation.
On his inauguration, Biden signed an executive order directing the Energy Department to undertake “major revisions” to the existing appliance regulation standards, including those set by the Trump administration.
Subsequently, the agency identified numerous energy-efficiency rules affecting appliances such as water heaters, cooking products and lamps for review.
“Their philosophy is energy efficiency at all costs or energy efficiency no matter the cost,” a former senior Energy Department official from the Trump era told Fox.
“That means we are going to see, as a result of their efficiency standards, higher-priced appliances,” the official continued. “It’s that simple.”
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