House Energy Subcommittee reviews eight bills on appliances, building codes, natural gas and weatherization

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a legislative hearing on appliance and buildings policies on Oct. 25, 2025, reviewing eight bills that lawmakers said would restore consumer choice, change how appliance efficiency standards are set, alter federal building fuel requirements and reauthorize weatherization funds.

The subcommittee heard from Jeff Novak, acting general counsel and principal deputy general counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy, and from industry and advocacy witnesses including Jennifer Cleary of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Brian Tebenkamp of Patriot Homes, Andrew Delasky of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, and George Lowe of the American Gas Association.

Why it matters: Members from both parties framed the hearing as part of a larger affordability debate. Republicans argued some federal and state efficiency rules and model building codes have raised housing and appliance costs and reduced consumer choice. Democrats and efficiency advocates warned that rolling back standards would raise household energy bills, reduce progress on lowering consumption, and make it harder to meet growing electricity demand.

What the bills would do - Energy Choice Act: would bar state or local governments from banning energy services based on the fuel used. DOE witness Novak said roughly 149 jurisdictions have enacted laws or ordinances that effectively restrict natural‑gas use and described the bill as preserving ‘‘a broader range of energy solutions’’ and consumer choice.

- Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act: would repeal or modify the federal statutory requirement that phases out fossil fuels in federal buildings under section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act. Novak told members the change would…