Gas Stove Debate Reignites: Controversy Over Energy Conservation Standards
The Department of Energy has proposed new energy conservation standards for electric and gas stoves and ovens, reigniting a hotly contested debate over gas stoves. The proposed standards, which would be implemented in 2027, would save the nation up to $1.7 billion annually and would require major modifications to half of the models currently on the market.[0]
The controversy began when an official with the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggested that new gas stoves could be banned, sparking backlash from both Republicans and Democrats.[1] In response, the Biden administration clarified that the president does not support a ban on gas stoves.[2]
In response, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation that would block the CPSC from banning gas stoves. Cruz and Manchin have jointly proposed the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act; Cruz is the incoming Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, while Manchin is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Additionally, Manchin said “the federal government has no business telling American families how to cook their dinner,” while Cruz said “radical environmentalists want to stop Americans from using natural gas.”[3]
Natural gas stoves are used in about 40% of homes in the US and are linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, cancer and other health conditions, multiple studies have said.[4]
The White House has said President Joe Biden does not support a gas stove ban, while CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said “any option is on the table” as the commission develops regulations to make gas stoves safer.[5] The CPSC has since clarified that it has not proposed any ban or new regulation for gas stoves, but is researching the issue and exploring ways to reduce associated risks.[6]
The Consumer Product Safety Commission may not go as far as to impose a nationwide ban on the appliances, but they could take steps to regulate them due to worries about their potential health risks.[7] The Energy Department’s proposal comes as the second federal agency to address the issue, potentially setting the stage for a heated debate on the future of gas stoves.
0. “Gas stove debate reignites as Energy Department proposes new rules” NBC News, 2 Feb. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/gas-stove-debate-reignites-energy-department-proposes-new-rules-rcna68728
1. “Gas stove controversy heats up again as second U.S. agency proposes limits (NYSE:WHR)” Seeking Alpha, 2 Feb. 2023, https://seekingalpha.com/news/3930954-gas-stove-controversy-heats-up-again-as-second-us-agency-proposes-limits
2. “Sens. Cruz, Manchin Team Up To Fight A Non-Existent Gas Stove Ban” HuffPost, 2 Feb. 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/manchin-cruz-gas-stove-bill_n_63dc25c4e4b01e9288701737
3. “Schumer mocks GOP: ‘Nobody is taking away your gas stove’” The Hill, 3 Feb. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3843076-schumer-mocks-gop-nobody-is-taking-away-your-gas-stove/
4. “Gas stoves are back under scrutiny with new U.S. limits proposed” Press Herald, 1 Feb. 2023, https://www.pressherald.com/2023/02/01/gas-stoves-are-back-under-scrutiny-with-new-u-s-limits-proposed
5. “Energy Department proposes tighter efficiency standards for gas, electric stoves and ovens” Fox Business, 2 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/energy-department-proposes-tighter-efficiency-standards-gas-electric-stoves-ovens
6. “NPGA: ‘More serious opponent’ targets gas stoves” LP Gas magazine, 3 Feb. 2023, https://www.lpgasmagazine.com/npga-more-serious-opponent-targets-gas-stoves
7. “DeSantis keeps heat on gas stoves issue, proposing tax exemption” msnNOW, 2 Feb. 2023, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/desantis-keeps-heat-on-gas-stoves-issue-proposing-tax-exemption/ar-AA172RaI
