SW New Mexico News

The Biden administration set new regulations on gas water heaters, but in February 2025, the House voted to scrap them – backed by Trump—saying they hurt consumer choice and raised costs. Rep. Gabe Vasquez voted against the resolution to get rid of the regulations.

In December 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) finalized a rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters," aiming to boost the energy efficiency of tankless gas water heaters, according to the Federal Register. This rule, published on December 26, 2024, set new standards requiring these heaters to achieve maximum technologically feasible efficiency, mandated by December 2029.

On February 27, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 20 (H.J. Res. 20) with a vote of 221-198, nullifying the DOE’s rule under the Congressional Review Act, according to Congress.gov. This action was led by Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), who argued it protected consumer choice and prevented costly shifts away from natural gas appliances.

Rep. Vasquez was among the House members who voted against H.J. Res. 20, aligning with the 198 "nay" votes, which included 11 Democrats and 187 others opposing the resolution, according to the House Clerk’s Roll Call. 

The resolution’s passage reflects broader Republican efforts, supported by President Trump, to roll back Biden-era energy regulations perceived as restrictive, with Trump issuing a statement on February 25, 2025, endorsing H.J. Res. 20 to maintain affordable options for American homeowners. 

If the Senate approves and Trump signs it, the DOE’s efficiency standards will be voided, preserving existing gas-fired water heater options, according to the Congressional record. 

Gabe Vasquez is a Democratic congressman from New Mexico who won his seat in 2022, according to his House website. Before joining Congress, he was a city councilor and an advocate for conservation and economic development.