A coalition of 34 organizations is calling on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to push back compliance deadlines and fully reverse rules that would eliminate popular types of natural gas furnaces and commercial water heaters.
The coalition sent an official letter to the DOE backing ongoing efforts by the American Gas Association, the American Public Gas Association, and the National Propane Gas Association. The groups are pushing to undo the efficiency standards established under the Biden administration, warning of sharp price hikes for everyday consumers.
The coalition stated in its letter that the regulations will inevitably raise costs, strip away consumer choice, and place an unfair burden on vulnerable communities looking for affordable heat and hot water. They noted that the rules lack consumer-first and affordability-focused principles, explaining that families will face steep installation bills or lose access to natural gas and propane entirely. The letter urged the DOE to modify the rules to prevent hardship and unfair distribution of burdens, particularly for small businesses, seniors, low-income families, and mobile home households.
This organized push lands just as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a petition to take up a legal case against the furnace regulation. The petition has drawn broad backing from 21 states, a large network of organizations, and the Trump administration.
Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the American Gas Association, emphasized the importance of keeping these appliances on the market. She noted that protecting natural gas appliances safeguards both affordability and the freedom for Americans to choose the best energy source for their homes. Harbert also stated that her organization appreciates the DOE acknowledging legal flaws in the previous rule, joining the call for Supreme Court intervention, and opening a docket to extend compliance deadlines. She added that citizens should not face forced, expensive home retrofits or lose access to essential everyday appliances due to federal overreach.
The specific appliances targeted for phase-out—non-condensing furnaces—are currently slated to become illegal to manufacture by 2028. These models make up roughly 55% of the current U.S. natural gas furnace market. Because of structural differences, switching a home from a non-condensing to a condensing model often requires major structural modifications and expensive renovations. In some cases, it can eliminate gas as a viable heating option entirely.
Government data highlights the financial impact of the transition. Figures show the furnace rule would drive up costs for 30% of senior-only households, 26% of low-income households, and 27% of small businesses. Mobile home residents face an even higher impact, with 39% of consumers expected to be negatively affected. The coalition contends these official estimates may actually be underreported.
The pushback comes down to basic energy economics. Natural gas remains the most affordable home heating option for U.S. consumers, costing 3.5 times less than electricity for the equivalent amount of delivered energy. Government projections show that natural gas prices are expected to remain between one-third and one-half the price of alternative fuels through the year 2050.
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