The Cost of Biden’s War on Appliances: A Burden on American Households
A consumer watchdog has revealed that the Biden administration’s efforts to combat climate change by targeting appliances like gas stoves will come at a hefty price for the average American household. According to the nonprofit Alliance for Consumers, these initiatives could cost families over $9,100.
In their eye-catching infographic titled ”Biden’s Dream Home,” the Alliance for Consumers breaks down the price tags associated with the administration’s proposed energy standards for various household appliances. From air conditioners to washing machines and gas stoves, the Biden administration’s regulations are set to make these appliances more expensive.
This year, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have introduced a range of rules that will not only increase the cost of household appliances but also, as some experts argue, force Americans to replace their current appliances.
For instance, the DOE’s proposed natural gas stove rule would require redesigning an estimated 90 percent of gas stoves, resulting in reduced performance and an upfront cost increase of around $32 million per year.
The DOE’s Unified List of appliances targeted with new energy efficiency standards reveals the extensive scope of these regulations, with some in the “proposed rule stage” and others in the “final rule stage.” This list includes microwave ovens, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and pool pumps, among others.
While the list is extensive, the Alliance for Consumers has focused on a selection of commonly found equipment in American homes to estimate the regulatory burden imposed or planned by the Biden administration.
“Welcome to Biden’s Dream House, where the American dream just got significantly more expensive,” the group wrote in a post on X, accompanied by an infographic that reveals the price tags associated with these regulations.
Detailed Costs
Overall, the estimated cost of Biden administration policies on the typical U.S. family is a staggering $9,166.
The Alliance for Consumers estimates that the DOE’s dishwasher efficiency standards, aimed at combating the climate crisis, will lead to drainage problems and clogging, costing consumers between $50 and $400 for repairs.
Proposed rules targeting air conditioning refrigerants would significantly increase the cost of refilling air conditioning units, with an estimated price tag of around $1,100, according to the watchdog.
New energy standards for water heaters would force families to purchase models that are, on average, $2,800 more expensive, as estimated by the Alliance for Consumers.
Other costs include $25 for ceiling fans, $200 for washing machines, and $140 for light bulbs.
Critics argue that the Biden administration’s focus on energy efficiency at the expense of performance is stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice. Ben Lieberman, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, told Fox News, “It’s just spreading to more and more appliances. It seems that almost everything that plugs in or fires up around the house is either subject to a pending regulation or soon will be.” He added, “Consumers aren’t going to like any of it. These rules are almost always bad for consumers for the simple reason that they restrict consumer choice.”
Sears Kenmore washing machines are shown for sale inside a Sears department store in La Jolla, Calif., on March 22, 2017. (Mike Blake/Reuters)
‘Everything But The Kitchen Sink’
While the Alliance for Consumers focused on households, it’s important to note that the Biden administration’s rules will also impact businesses.
The DOE’s proposal to impose stricter regulations on ceiling fans has faced strong criticism from lawmakers. ”Ceiling fans are the latest target for the Biden Administration’s seemingly endless war on appliances,” said Rep. Bryan Mast (R-Fla.). He continued, “This Administration seems bound and determined to literally regulate everything but the kitchen sink.” Mast warned that complying with the DOE’s rule could be financially devastating for small businesses, estimating an annual cost of $86.6 million for the industry.
Industry groups have also voiced their concerns. In response to the DOE’s call for public comment on dishwasher energy efficiency, a coalition of 19 industry and consumer groups led by the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) submitted a detailed criticism. They argued that existing dishwasher standards are already causing problems for consumers and further tightening them would worsen these issues and undermine consumer protections.
“While each of the Biden administration’s recently-proposed appliance measures raises a unique set of risks for consumers, the proposed dishwasher rule at issue here is particularly harmful,” the groups wrote in their submission. Signatories of the submission include The Heritage Foundation, Institute for Energy Research, Heartland Institute, American Consumer Institute, Americans for Prosperity, and American First Policy Institute.
What are the potential negative effects of these regulations on job losses in the manufacturing industry and the overall economy
For manufacturers. This cost will ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for gas stoves.
Similarly, the EPA’s proposed energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers would lead to a 35 percent increase in prices, adding an extra $415 to the cost of a washing machine. This can be a significant burden for households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The DOT is also getting in on the action by proposing new fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. While the goal of reducing emissions is commendable, these regulations would increase the price of vehicles by an estimated $4,800. This puts new cars out of reach for many Americans who rely on affordable transportation to commute to work or fulfill daily obligations.
Proponents of these regulations argue that the long-term benefits outweigh the immediate costs. They claim that energy-efficient appliances will save consumers money on their utility bills in the long run. However, this fails to account for the fact that the higher upfront costs may deter many households from purchasing these appliances in the first place.
Furthermore, the burden of these regulations falls disproportionately on low-income households who may not have the financial means to absorb the increased costs. This exacerbates existing inequalities and leaves these households stuck with outdated, less efficient appliances.
It is also important to consider the potential job losses resulting from these regulations. As manufacturers are forced to comply with new standards, they may be forced to lay off workers or even close down operations altogether. This has a ripple effect throughout the economy, impacting not only those directly employed by the industry but also suppliers and the local communities that rely on these jobs.
The Biden administration’s war on appliances may be well-intentioned, but the cost to American households cannot be ignored. The burden of higher prices for appliances and vehicles falls squarely on the shoulders of hard-working families. It is essential to strike a balance between environmental goals and the economic well-being of the American people.
The Alliance for Consumers is calling on policymakers to reassess the impact of these regulations and consider alternative approaches that achieve environmental sustainability without placing such a heavy burden on American households. By engaging in a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, policymakers can ensure that all stakeholders are considered and that the resulting regulations are fair and equitable.
Ultimately, the cost of Biden’s war on appliances is not just a financial burden; it is a burden on the daily lives of American families who deserve affordable and reliable household appliances. It is time for a more balanced and thoughtful approach that considers the needs of both the environment and the American people.
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