Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota has voted in favor of two resolutions aimed at overturning energy regulations set by the Biden administration. The resolutions, H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75, seek to nullify rules established by the Department of Energy concerning energy efficiency standards for refrigeration equipment.

Fedorchak expressed concerns over the regulations, describing them as costly and restrictive. She stated, "These excessive Biden administration regulations will cost businesses billions of dollars to replace perfectly good refrigeration equipment. These are textbook examples of government overreach. It’s no wonder that before President Trump took office, 75 percent of the country thought we were heading in the wrong direction. House Republicans will continue to stand up for hardworking Americans with common sense solutions."

The first resolution, H.J. Res. 24, was introduced by Representative Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma. It challenges a rule from the Department of Energy that imposes energy efficiency standards on walk-in coolers and freezers. Fedorchak and supporters argue that the rule is neither technologically feasible nor economically justified.

The second resolution, H.J. Res. 75, introduced by Representative Craig Goldman of Texas, seeks to overturn a similar rule affecting commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Critics of the rule claim it would increase costs and disrupt supply chains without providing substantial energy savings. According to the Department of Energy's estimates, it would take nearly a century to recover the costs of compliance.

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory measures aimed at energy conservation and the perceived impact of such regulations on businesses and consumer choice.

Congresswoman Fedorchak’s speech in support of H.J. Res. 24 was delivered on the House floor and is available for viewing.