House set to challenge Biden green energy standards for washing machines with ‘Liberty in Laundry’ bill vote

Lawmakers are gearing up to vote on a crucial piece of legislation that aims to push back against the Biden administration’s green energy standards for household appliances. The Department of Energy (DOE) recently rolled out a final rule in February that enforces stricter energy standards for residential clothes washers (RCWs), including washing machines. This regulation will prohibit the sale of certain less-efficient models of washers and dryers, according to the DOE.

In response to these new standards, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., swiftly introduced the “Liberty in Laundry Act” just weeks after the announcement. This legislation is set to be voted on in the House on Tuesday. If passed, it could prevent the Energy Secretary and DOE from implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for clothes washers that are deemed not technologically feasible or economically justified.

House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of allowing consumers to make their own choices when it comes to household appliances. He criticized the government’s interference in this matter, stating that American families and small businesses are being negatively impacted by the Biden administration’s push for green energy standards.

The DOE defended its decision to introduce the new standards for clothing washers, citing the potential reduction of nearly 71 million metric tons of “dangerous carbon dioxide emissions” over the next three decades. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the long-term benefits of these regulations, pointing out the savings for American families and the decrease in harmful carbon emissions.

While House Republicans are actively working to block the Biden administration’s efforts to regulate natural gas-powered household appliances, Democratic lawmakers are taking a different approach. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled a plan to incentivize residents to switch to green appliances by offering payments of up to $840 for those who replace their clothes dryers with more environmentally friendly alternatives.

As the debate over green energy standards for household appliances continues to unfold, it is clear that both sides have differing views on how best to address the issue. The upcoming vote on the “Liberty in Laundry Act” will be a pivotal moment in determining the direction of future regulations in this area. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

This article was written by Aubrie Spady for Fox News Digital.