The Department of Energy quietly published the rules the day after Christmas, avoiding public scrutiny and press releases.
The Biden administration’s relentless war on American consumers and domestic energy production has reached a new low with its latest regulatory overreach: a ban on natural gas-powered instantaneous water heaters. This move, finalized in the dying days of Biden’s presidency, is a blatant attempt to cement his climate agenda before President-elect Donald Trump can reverse it. But at what cost? The answer is clear: higher prices, fewer choices, and a crushing blow to American manufacturing.
The Department of Energy (DOE) quietly published the rules the day after Christmas, a calculated move to avoid public scrutiny. The regulations, which take full effect by 2029, will eliminate roughly 40% of the tank-less water heaters currently available in the U.S. market. This forces consumers to choose between more expensive condensing models or less efficient storage tank water heaters. Industry experts estimate the average consumer will pay $450 more for a new water heater—a devastating hit to low-income families and seniors who rely on affordable, efficient options.
This is not just about water heaters. It’s about an administration hell-bent on forcing its green energy agenda down the throats of Americans, regardless of the economic consequences. The DOE’s actions are part of a broader pattern of targeting household appliances, from gas stoves to refrigerators, in the name of reducing carbon emissions. But as usual, the Biden administration’s policies hurt the very people they claim to help.
The impact on American manufacturing is equally alarming. Rinnai America, the nation’s only major manufacturer of tankless water heaters, recently invested $70 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Georgia. That facility, which employs hundreds of locals, now faces obsolescence. Frank Windsor, Rinnai’s president, lamented the administration’s shortsightedness, noting that the new rules render their investments “irrelevant.” This is a direct attack on American jobs and innovation, all in service of an ideological crusade.
Critics argue the regulations are not only economically disastrous but also legally dubious. The American Gas Association (AGA) has called the rules a violation of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which prohibits the federal government from banning products with distinct performance characteristics. Matthew Agen, AGA’s chief counsel, called the decision “deeply concerning and irresponsible,” noting that the DOE’s own analysis shows minimal energy savings—just $112 over 20 years—while imposing significant costs on consumers.
The Biden regime's actions are a slap in the face to American families and businesses. By prioritizing climate ideology over practicality, they have created a regulatory nightmare that will burden consumers, stifle innovation, and undermine economic growth. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, one thing is clear: the Biden administration’s legacy will be one of reckless overreach and disregard for the American people.
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