- A group of 23 Republican AGs, led by Florida AG Ashley Moody, sent a letter to the Department of Energy voicing concerns about the agency’s March 15, 2024, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers; Direct Final Rule, which imposes new energy efficiency standards on residential clothes washers.
- In the letter, the AGs claim the rule will impose significant costs on middle-class Americans by increasing appliance costs, reducing washing machine performance, and imposing financial burdens on American families, particularly low-income households.
- The AGs also criticize the rulemaking process for not adequately addressing concerns from stakeholders and relying too heavily on niche advocacy groups that do not represent everyday consumers.
- The AGs call for the DOE to abandon the rule or at least proceed with a notice and comment period to ensure transparency and public input.