McMorris Rodgers Helps Pass Legislation to Protect Gas Stoves in Eastern Washington

Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act (H.R. 1615) and the Save Our Gas Stoves Act (H.R. 1640) to push back on Democrats’ efforts to ban gas stoves in America.

“Eastern Washington has felt the burden of heavy-handed government mandates for years. First it was prohibiting gas furnaces and mandating electric heat pumps in the building code. Then it was phasing out gas-powered vehicles. Now it’s banning gas stoves. What’s next?,” said Rodgers. “While states like Washington, California, and New York compete to see who can control the most lives, I’m focused on protecting your freedom. People in our communities want to keep their gas stoves because they are affordable, reliable, and provide a lifeline if the power goes out in the cold winter months. These bills take the power away from the federal government and return it to its rightful place – with the people.”

In Washington state, Governor Inslee and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson are teaming up to ban natural gas in new homes and increase regulations on gas stoves. These efforts are a part of Democrats’ larger war on gas stoves and fossil fuels in the United States. For example, the Biden administration is considering banning gas stoves and New York just recently became the first state to ban natural gas stoves in most new homes and buildings by 2026. 

Click here or the image above to watch Cathy speak in support of the Save Our Gas Stoves Act.

The bipartisan Save our Gas Stoves Act (H.R. 1640) would stop the Department of Energy from dictating the type of cooktop appliance Americans use in their home. This is particularly important for those living in Washington state because it would preempt any extreme government overreach that would take away consumer choice and an appliance that can serve as a lifeline for many Eastern Washington families during weather-related power outages. 

Click here or the image above to watch Cathy speak in support of the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act.

The bipartisan Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act (H.R. 1615) would stop the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from broadly banning gas stoves or imposing any standard that would be a de facto ban by making gas stoves unaffordable. The bill will still allow the CPSC to conduct legitimate safety work for these products.

Here are the facts President Biden and Governor Inslee are ignoring:

• Natural gas stoves are currently the preferred cooktop appliance of nearly 40% of American households.
• Nearly 187 million Americans use natural gas because it is affordable and reliable. 
• Forcing Americans to switch to more expensive alternatives will only further increase costs for families. Homes with natural gas appliances save up to $1,068 per year compared to all-electric homes. 
• Natural gas is a safe, reliable, and affordable energy source for millions of Americans. Homes with natural gas appliances emit 22 percent less C02 than all-electric homes.
• More than 4.1 million jobs are connected to the natural gas industry.

NOTE: As Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy helped lead and advance these bills through the full committee process and onto the House Floor for final passage.

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