Policy and Legal

Manufacturers: DOE Gas Stove Rules Revision Is Step in Right Direction

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Washington, D.C. – Following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Energy has modified its proposed energy-efficiency rules for gas stoves to be less restrictive, National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram released the following statement:

“Manufacturers depend on regulatory clarity and certainty. Throughout the year, the Department of Energy has proposed an unprecedented slew of regulations, and many were aimed at home appliances. The DOE is now taking steps toward a solution that is less likely to raise production costs significantly for manufacturers, and less likely to reduce the available features, performance and affordability for consumers.

“Manufacturers remain committed to working with the DOE and all federal agencies to ensure that proposed rules and regulations are practical, feasible and environmentally sound without harming our ability to create well-paying jobs and investment in the United States.”

The NAM, along with members of the Manufacturers for Sensible Regulations, have been highlighting the negative impact of unbalanced regulations on manufacturers, noting the agency’s own data showed that 96% of existing gas stove models currently available would not comply.

Background: According to the NAM’s Q2 2023 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, more than 63% of manufacturers report spending more than 2,000 hours per year complying with federal regulations, while more than 17% of manufacturers report spending more than 10,000 hours. The NAM survey also stressed that only 67% of manufacturers are positive about their own company’s outlook, the lowest since Q3 2019. It shows the consequences of regulations: If the regulatory burden on manufacturers decreased, 65% of manufacturers would purchase more capital equipment, and more than 46% would increase compensation.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 55% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.