The U.S. Department of Energy is updating appliance efficiency standards designed to save Americans money and reduce climate emissions. But this seemingly mundane issue has become a battleground in America’s culture wars, with the natural gas industry and some conservatives fighting back.

Biden’s efficiency push:

The Biden administration wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save Americans billions of dollars on their energy bills through stricter standards. That includes furnaces, refrigerators and other appliances.

Industry and conservative resistance:

The natural gas industry is concerned that the new standards will lead to “fuel switching,” where consumers switch from using natural gas to using electric appliances. Conservative politicians and the media have voiced the same concern, arguing that the new standards are an overreach by the government and limit consumer choice.

Debunking Myths:

Claims that new appliances are inefficient or less durable are unfounded. Studies show that energy efficiency standards improve quality and lower prices over time.

Efficiency Benefits:

New standards could save Americans more than $570 billion over 30 years and reduce emissions by 2.4 billion tons. The example of the Philadelphia townhouses illustrates the immediate benefits: condensing boilers can save homeowners 15 percent on their gas bills.

The Future of Standards:

The Department of Energy is reviewing dozens of standards, and a recent agreement between efficiency advocates and appliance manufacturers could streamline the process. This will pave the way for stricter standards for a variety of appliances.