Refrigerator Freedom Act

HR 7637, the Refrigerator Freedom Act, modifies how the U.S. Department of Energy sets and enforces energy conservation standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. It requires the Secretary of Energy to determine that any new or updated standard must be technologically feasible, economically justified, not increase net consumer costs (including purchase, maintenance, and disposal), and result in significant energy savings before prescribing or enforcing it. The bill directly affects the Department of Energy’s authority to regulate appliance efficiency and the appliance industry, which must comply with these new criteria for standards. It does not create new standards but changes the conditions under which existing standards can be implemented.