Democrat AGs Back Gas Stove Crackdown Across US

Democratic Attorneys General Endorse CPSC’s Efforts to Regulate Natural Gas Stoves

Gas stoves have been a significant driver of lower emissions in the United States, but the Biden administration’s new emissions rules for gas stoves have provoked controversy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been working to regulate natural gas stoves, and eleven Democratic state attorneys general have endorsed the agency’s efforts.

Support for Voluntary Standards or Mandatory Regulations

The attorneys general have commented on forthcoming CPSC regulations, stating that they support the development of “voluntary standards or mandatory regulations that will reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants from gas stoves” which worsen indoor air quality. They also suggest that the CPSC should “increase consumer awareness of the harms posed by gas stoves through more informative warning labels and public education.”

Concerns Over Risks Posed to Consumers

Democratic lawmakers and attorneys general have expressed concern over the risks posed to consumers by gas stoves. Low-income households and minority communities are especially vulnerable to air pollution from the devices. Pollution from gas stoves often has a disproportionate effect on households located in underserved communities, especially low-income households.

Regulatory Crackdowns for More Than One Dozen Product Categories

The Energy Department has introduced regulatory crackdowns for more than one dozen product categories this year, actions which agency officials contend are “preserving reliability and performance across household appliances and commercial and industrial equipment.” The Biden administration has established a “whole-of-government effort” to reduce carbon emissions and drafted several similar regulations over the past two years.

Statistics on Gas Stove Usage

• 38% of households nationwide currently use gas stoves
• 70% of households in California and New Jersey use gas stoves
• Families with a gas stove use the appliance an average of eight times per week

The call for regulatory action comes days after Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm announced new efficiency standards for dishwashers, vending machines, and electric motors. She said that the Biden administration is “using all of the tools at our disposal to save Americans money while promoting innovations that will reduce carbon pollution and combat the climate crisis.”

It is important to address the risks posed by gas stoves and reduce harmful pollutants to improve indoor air quality and protect vulnerable communities.

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