SEEC Rejects Republican Attempt to Raise Energy Bills for Hardworking American Families

Washington, D.C. – The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Chellie Pingree, and Katie Porter, and Chair Emeritus Rep. Gerry Connolly, released the following statement in response to the passage of the Republican-led ‘Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act’ (H.R. 6192), which would raise energy prices for everyday American families by gutting the highly successful efficiency standards program at the Department of Energy (DOE).

“After voting to gut a wide range of environmental protections last week, House Republicans have once again doubled down on their destructive crusade to put polluters over people. This week, Republicans are targeting common-sense efficiency standards that save Americans energy and money. For decades, DOE’s standards have cut household utility bills by hundreds of dollars each year while ensuring our clothes washers clean better, our lightbulbs last longer, and our air conditioners run quieter. Despite this, House Republicans want to make it harder for DOE to deliver consumer savings that have broad support from the American public.

“The ‘Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act’ is a real lose-lose for the American people, delivered to you by House Republicans who want to prioritize the profits of their fossil-fuel industry friends over the wallets of hardworking American families. All Americans deserve access to high-quality and efficient home appliances.”