Press Releases and Statements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Renée Lani, Director of Regulatory Affairs

Phone: (202) 464-0836

Email: rlani@apga.org

APGA Applauds DOE’s Interpretive Rule as a Win for Consumers

Washington, D.C. (January 15, 2021) – The American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing more than 700 local, municipally-owned natural gas systems in 38 states, issued the following statement in response to the publication of the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) final interpretive rule pertaining to energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and commercial water heaters:

“We are appreciative and supportive of DOE’s recognition of the differences between condensing and non-condensing appliances as separate product classes.  With its final interpretive rule, DOE will save consumers from the costs of unnecessary and burdensome overregulation and provide greater customer choice.  We are very pleased that DOE expressly recognizes that eliminating non-condensing furnaces could impose costly installations on consumers, require physical changes to homes and businesses, and limit consumer choice in regard to fuel type.  In fact, without mandates, the market currently offers several options of condensing technology for purchase if it makes sense for the consumer.  All American energy consumers should welcome and celebrate DOE’s practical approach and findings in this final rule.  APGA and its members will always be strong supporters of energy efficiency, and we look forward to further engaging with the DOE and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as this interpretation is applied to future rulemakings using up-to-date data on natural gas costs and supply.”