Staff Reports
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is spearheading a coalition of 23 attorneys general from across the country to push back against yet another intrusive regulation from the Biden administration, this time targeting washing machines. The move comes as the U.S. House gears up to vote on legislation aimed at curbing excessive regulations on various household appliances, with Republicans warning that these measures will only lead to higher costs for consumers. House Democrats, however, are dismissing these concerns as mere political tactics.
The latest Department of Energy regulation on washing machines has drawn criticism for its potential impact on middle-class Americans. AG Moody slammed the administration for meddling in the everyday lives of citizens by imposing costly standards on washing machines in the name of radical energy policies. The coalition of AGs has called on DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm to either scrap the new rule altogether or undergo a proper rulemaking process that includes input from all relevant stakeholders.
23 state coalition challenges new federal regulations on washing machines https://t.co/uNuIbROVNR via @JustTheNews Are we sick of the Administrative State, yet?
— Robin V (@RobinValente60) July 10, 2024
The DOE’s proposed energy conservation standards for residential washers have been a point of contention, with industry experts arguing that the rule would strip consumers of choice, drive up costs, and harm product performance. Concerns have been raised about the economic burden these regulations could place on both consumers and manufacturers. Critics also question the legitimacy of the process that led to the finalization of the rule, pointing to a lack of proper consideration for all perspectives.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has warned that the rule could disproportionately affect low-income households, potentially forcing them to opt for used appliances or forgo purchasing new ones altogether. Companies like Whirlpool have also raised alarms about the rule’s economic viability, citing potential job losses and increased costs for consumers. The lack of a thorough supply chain analysis in North America has further fueled opposition to the rule.
Despite support from some states like California and Massachusetts, the coalition of AGs argues that the rule fails to address the concerns of many states and should not be allowed to bypass standard rulemaking procedures. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the rule as part of “Biden’s war on washing machines,” emphasizing the detrimental impact it could have on hardworking citizens in her state. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Debbie Lasko introduced legislation to safeguard household appliances from overreaching federal regulations, highlighting the need to protect consumers from government overreach.
As the battle over home appliance regulations continues, the coalition of attorneys general stands ready to take legal action if necessary to halt the implementation of the rule. Their fight against what they deem as unlawful government interference in Americans’ daily lives reflects a broader struggle to uphold conservative principles of limited government and individual freedom.
