Ban Gas Stoves Amidst Health Concerns? - Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act - H.R.1615

The Bill

H.R.1615 - Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act

Bill Status

• Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash) on March 17, 2023
• Committees: House - Energy and Commerce 
• House: Passed - June 13, 2023
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• On Feb. 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed an "energy efficiency standard" for gas cooking products. The proposed rule would require energy performance standards for gas stoves and seeks to replace them over time with electric alternatives. The law would ban stoves that consume over 1,204 British thermal units annually.
• Prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using federal funds to regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product.
• It also blocks the Commission from enforcing product safety standards that prohibit the use or sale of gas stoves or substantially increase their price, making them less competitive.

What's in the Bill?

Criticizes New York's ban on future propane and natural gas stoves

• Starting in 2026, New York will phase out all-natural gas stoves and furnaces in new builds amid growing research on methane's climate and health impacts.
• Eleven city attorneys general from Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont, D.C., and Washington submitted a letter to the Consumer Product Safety in support of their investigation into gas stove safety.

Blocks rule that would limit access to gas stoves

• Prohibits DOE from finalizing a proposed rule that would limit consumer access to gas kitchen ranges.

Fights against new energy performance standards

• According to the sponsors, the proposed energy performance standard would eliminate 95% of gas appliances currently in commercial and residential use.

Focuses on consumer choice

• The bill states that there has been increasing momentum to disincentivize and forbid the use of natural gas stoves which curbs consumer choice and cripples manufacturers.

What Sponsors are Saying

• Rep. Newhouse:

"Gas appliances are at the center of many American households—they power our stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. Nearly 187 million Americans use natural gas because it is affordable, reliable, and safe. The proposed rule proposed by the Biden Administration would have detrimental effects on American households, restaurants, and communities across Central Washington and the nation. I am proud to introduce this legislation to stop the draconian rule proposed by the Biden Administration and protect Americans' wallets, time, jobs, and freedom. It's time for the government to stop overregulating our lives and focus on solutions that will truly benefit the American people and our energy future. And that starts with them getting their hands off our stoves."

• The National Restaurant Association:

"What and how a restaurant prepares its menu are the soul of its business. More than 3 in 4 restaurant kitchens use natural gas to cook. Restaurant owners should have the option to choose the cooking element that best serves their cuisine. We appreciate Congressman Newhouse's leadership on this important topic." 

Should we move toward electric stoves to protect the environment and health?

-Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Canva)