FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Brown, mbrown@usea.org

Washington, D.C. – USEA President & CEO Mark Menezes today issued the following statement on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on furnace and water heater efficiency standards:

“USEA is committed to energy access for all. Today’s court ruling on furnace and water heater efficiency standards by the 2-1 majority of the D.C. Court of Appeals substitutes government choice over consumer choice. Many of our diverse members expressed concern about the government’s interpretation of its authority to issue a rule which would essentially eliminate non-condensing natural gas fired home furnaces. We stand by our membership, including organizations like the American Gas Association (AGA), regarding the decision's likely significant impact on energy affordability and the fundamental right to consumer choice.

“USEA champions reliable and affordable energy for all and believes regulations should never sacrifice consumer well-being. A ruling that restricts existing consumer choices and introduces unavoidable, high-cost barriers to essential home services directly undermines the goal of accessible and reliable energy. Our commitment is to prevent needless financial burdens and secure a resilient, affordable, and consumer-friendly energy system for every American.”