Legislators From 39 States Support DOE’s Proposed Gas Furnace Rule

State legislators support a federal gas furnace efficiency rule to benefit the climate, improve health, and lower energy costs

Over 140 members of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, representing 39 states, have submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy in support of a proposed federal rule to increase the energy efficiency standards for gas furnaces. 

Outdated and inefficient gas furnaces generate high energy bills that particularly burden lower-income households, and emit millions of tons of climate-harming emissions and other pollutants each year. Various states have been establishing strong efficiency standards for buildings and appliances, such as gas furnaces. Appliance standards are one of the most effective and practical ways to make deep emission cuts while curbing exposure to health-harming air pollutants and creating significant savings for consumers and businesses. 

“States like Nevada have been on the leading edge of developing appliance efficiency standards, which deliver billions of dollars in utility bill savings while reducing the pollution that fuels climate change,” said Nevada Assemblyman Howard Watts. “But we need the federal government to update the standards they are in charge of, and more efficient furnaces will provide huge benefits to households across the country.”

Under the proposed rule, gas furnaces that are non-weatherized or used in mobile homes would be required to achieve 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) – meaning that at least 95% of fuel from a gas furnace is turned into heat used in a home or business. These updated standards for gas furnace efficiency could save consumers $1.9 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons over 30 years, according to the Department of Energy. 

This letter was spearheaded by Nevada Assemblyman Howard Watts. The full letter can be viewed here.

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Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,200 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.