Summary — H.J. Res. 24 (Public Law No. 119‑7)

Title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk‑In Coolers and Walk‑In Freezers”

Status: Enacted (Signed by the President, May 9, 2025). Public Law No. 119‑7.

Purpose and authority

H.J. Res. 24 is a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that disapproves and nullifies a Department of Energy (DOE) final rule titled “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk‑In Coolers and Walk‑In Freezers,” published at 89 Fed. Reg. 104616 (Dec. 23, 2024). The resolution exercises Congress’s authority under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code (the CRA), to overturn a recently issued federal rule.

Key provision

• Express disapproval of the DOE rule (89 Fed. Reg. 104616) and a declaration that the rule “shall have no force or effect.” No additional substantive amendments or alternative standards are contained in the resolution itself.

Practical effect

• The DOE rule establishing energy conservation standards for walk‑in coolers and walk‑in freezers is repealed and may not be enforced.
• Under the CRA, the agency is generally prevented from issuing a new rule that is “substantially the same” as the disapproved rule unless later authorized by statute. This creates a lasting barrier to reissuing equivalent standards absent new Congressional authorization.

Who is affected

• Manufacturers and importers of walk‑in coolers and freezers (equipment design and compliance obligations).
• Businesses and facilities that purchase, install, or operate walk‑in refrigeration (costs and equipment choices).
• Energy efficiency advocates, utilities, and state/local energy‑code implementers (projected energy savings and policy alignment).
• DOE regulatory program and rulemaking planners.

Legislative and procedural timeline

• Introduced in House: Jan 16, 2025 (referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee).
• House passage: Mar 27, 2025 — Passed 203–182 (Roll No. 77).
• Received in Senate: Mar 31, 2025; Motion to proceed adopted Apr 2 (51–46); Senate passage Apr 3, 2025 — Passed 53–42 (Record Vote 162).
• Presented to President: May 5, 2025.
• Signed into law by President: May 9, 2025 (Public Law No. 119‑7).

Sponsors

Primary sponsor in House: Rep. Stephanie I. Bice. Additional cosponsors include Andrew S. Clyde, Barry Loudermilk, Gary J. Palmer, Dusty Johnson, Claudia Tenney, Scott Perry, Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, Michael A. Rulli, and Erin Houchin.

Context and implications (concise)

• The resolution does not replace the DOE rule with new standards; it only nullifies the December 2024 DOE regulation.
• The action halts federal-level changes to walk‑in cooler/freezer efficiency standards and may affect projected energy savings, compliance timelines, and industry design choices.