April ’25 at-a-glance … energy

WIC/F, CRE standards under Congressional review; seeking status on ACIM  

The Senate voted to disapprove the rule submitted by the Department of Energy for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers (WIC/F) under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). As the House already did so, this means the recent DOE energy-efficiency standards rule would be treated as if it never existed after the resolution is signed by President Trump, which is expected. The underlying statute preempts states from initiating their own requirements and the resolution of disapproval under the CRA opens the door for industry to reengage with DOE to build a better foundation for future energy-efficiency standards.  

Energy-efficiency standards for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (CRE) also are expected to be disapproved under the CRA, once the Senate again takes up the resolution. NAFEM is working with congressional staffers to determine the status of energy-efficiency standards for automatic commercial ice makers (ACIM). 

Additionally, NAFEM filed a petition March 24 with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit requesting Department of Energy (DOE) review the CRE rule. Challenging the rule in this way opens the door for further negotiations with DOE should CRE standards not be disapproved under the CRA.