[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]

On April 3, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird (R) announced her participation in a 21-state letter, opposing new Department of Energy (DOE) gas stove regulations that the states claimed would prohibit the sale of more than 50% of “all currently available gas stoves.”

Specifically, the letter cited a Biden administration study, showing that “20 out of 21 gas stoves failed to meet the rule’s environmental requirements,” thus limiting purchase options, increasing consumer costs, and harming businesses currently selling these appliances. It also alleged that the administration (1) used faulty estimates that downplay substantial state and consumer costs; (2) neglected “to consider federalism and its impact on states’ rights”; and (3) committed “federal overreach, exceeding the [DOE’s] authority.”

Other states joining the Louisiana and Tennessee-led letter included: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Why It Matters

According to Iowa AG Bird, these new environmental standards go against the best interest of consumers and businesses already struggling to “make ends meet” in favor of promoting “radical” climate change policy. If implemented, these regulations also will significantly impact the gas stove industry.