Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Water Heaters".

HJRES 173 is a resolution that seeks to block a Department of Energy rule establishing new energy efficiency standards for consumer water heaters. The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2024, would have required water heater manufacturers to meet updated conservation requirements. If passed, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, meaning current efficiency standards would remain unchanged. It directly affects manufacturers who would have faced new compliance requirements, but does not alter existing standards or consumer obligations.