House approves bill to protect gas stoves from restrictions on family cooking.

The future of gas stoves has become a hot topic in Congress, with the recent passing of the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act on June 13. This bill has sparked a conflict between Democrats and Republicans, and it’s worth understanding what it means for you.

What is the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act?

The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act is a bill that aims to restrict the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) ability to regulate or ban new gas stoves. It bars the CPSC from regulating gas stoves as a banned hazardous product and prevents the agency from putting any consumer product safety standards into effect that would either ban gas stoves or “substantially increase the average price of gas stoves in the United States.”

Why is there a debate over gas stoves?

The gas stove furor traces back to agency Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr.’s comments to Bloomberg News in January regarding the possibility gas stoves could be prohibited. The White House moved swiftly to shut down any loose talk of gas stove bans, but a later story from Fox News drew attention to Trumka’s internal memorandum from late 2022 outlining the case for a prohibition on gas stoves.

What are lawmakers saying?

Before the June 13 vote took place, lawmakers debated the measure’s merits. Supporters of the legislation argue that it’s about ensuring that American families have access to the products and energy resources they need and want. Opponents of the bill argue that no one is taking away your gas stove and that the weaponization of government against our energy industry only serves to make our energy future less secure.

What happens next?

The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act has passed the House with 248 yeas and 180 nays. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Senate version of the legislation in February, and it’s been referred to a committee. The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House to see if President Joe Biden would veto the legislation should it pass both chambers of Congress.

Conclusion

The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act has become a contentious issue in Congress, with both sides arguing over the future of gas stoves. While the bill aims to restrict the CPSC’s ability to regulate or ban new gas stoves, opponents argue that it’s unnecessary and could harm our energy future. As the bill moves through Congress, it’s worth keeping an eye on what happens next.