House Republican proposes amendment to halt Biden Administration’s washing machine regulation.

Rep. Moolenaar Fights Back Against Proposed Washing Machine Regulations

In response to the Biden administration’s proposed new energy efficiency standards for washing machines, Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) has introduced an appropriations amendment that aims to prevent the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing the proposal.

Moolenaar believes that his amendment is a victory for consumer choice.

“My amendment is a win for clean clothes, consumer choice, and stopping another burdensome regulation from the Biden administration,” Moolenaar stated in a press release from his office on June 22.

“When our country moved from typewriters to personal computers, we did not need rules from the executive branch forcing typewriters from the market,” Moolenaar added. “Yet, the Department of Energy has proposed regulations on washing machines that would push affordable options for Michigan families out of the market while making it harder to wash clothes.”

Moolenaar’s amendment (pdf) states, “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to finalize, implement, administer, apply, or enforce the proposed rule entitled ‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers’ published by the Department of Energy in the Federal Register on March 3, 2023.”

The House Appropriations Committee has adopted Moolenaar’s amendment following a voice vote on June 22. The amendment has been added to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies spending bill, which was passed on the same day with a 34-24 vote.

Earlier this year, the DOE announced that washing machines would be required to use considerably less water to “confront the global climate crisis.”

The DOE noted that “maintaining acceptable cleaning performance can be more difficult as energy and water levels are reduced.” However, the department assured that machine performances, such as stain removal, would not be compromised by complying with its regulations.

Republican Lawmakers Criticize Proposed Regulations

In March, some Republican lawmakers took to Twitter to express their criticism of the DOE’s proposed washing machine regulations.

“Biden’s DOE is pushing a new ‘washing machine rule’ that would make cycles longer, detergent more expensive, & clothes less clean,” wrote Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas). “Prices for everything are skyrocketing, yet the Biden Admin continues to try to make it worse with their radical agenda.”

“Biden’s big government needs to stop worrying about gas stoves or washing machines and start getting our nation’s economy back on track,” wrote Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

The House recently passed two gas stove bills. On June 13, the Gas Stove Protection Bill was approved to prevent restrictions on family cookers.