Gas groups ask Supreme Court to block furnace rule
Several major natural gas industry groups are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a legal fight over federal efficiency standards that restrict the sale of certain natural gas furnaces and water heaters, arguing the rules could eliminate affordable home heating options for millions of Americans.
The American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA) and National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) have filed a petition urging the high court to overturn a 2–1 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. That ruling upheld Biden-era Department of Energy regulations barring the sale of non-condensing natural gas furnaces and some commercial gas water heaters.
Industry warns of higher costs for homeowners
Industry groups argue that non-condensing furnaces cannot always be replaced by other furnace types without expensive home modifications, particularly in older homes and multi-family buildings.
They warn that removing these products from the market could force homeowners to either undertake costly retrofits or abandon natural gas altogether.
“Under this furnace rule, families will be told they must spend extra money to retrofit their home or switch to electricity and pay higher monthly energy bills,” said Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the American Gas Association.
Harbert said the rule effectively eliminates products that many consumers rely on, a move she said conflicts with federal law governing appliance efficiency standards.
Legal challenge centers on federal energy law
According to Daily Energy Insider, the petition argues that the D.C. Circuit ruling misinterprets the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).
EPCA explicitly prohibits the U.S. Department of Energy from adopting efficiency standards that “result in the unavailability” of products with unique performance characteristics currently available to consumers.
The industry groups say allowing the ruling to stand could set a precedent for broader restrictions on natural gas appliances, opening the door to future bans through what they describe as misuse of efficiency standards.
Utilities defend consumer choice
Public natural gas utilities say the issue is about energy choice, not efficiency.
“Public natural gas utilities believe Americans should have the right to install or replace home appliances that use the energy source of their choice,” said Dave Schryver, President and CEO of the American Public Gas Association.
“These choices should not require costly retrofits that effectively force consumers to switch energy sources,” Schryver added.
The petition asks the Supreme Court to clarify limits on federal authority over appliance standards and prevent what the groups describe as de facto fuel switching mandates.
SOURCE: Daily Energy Insider
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