
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, joined by other state Attorneys General, has sued the Biden Administration over a new Department of Energy rule that bans non-condensing instantaneous natural gas water heaters. Paxton argues that the rule will harm seniors and low-income families by limiting options and possibly increasing energy costs for water heating, according to the Office of the Attorney General.
A rule issued on December 26, 2024, by the Biden administration's Department of Energy is facing opposition from state officials and groups like the National Propane Gas Association and the National Association of Homebuilders. They argue that the rule limits consumer choices and increases costs for less efficient alternatives. Attorneys General from Georgia, Kansas, and Tennessee are leading the effort, arguing that the policy harms consumers, as reported by the Office of the Attorney General.
Attorney General Paxton is challenging a Biden Administration regulation that bans high-performing instantaneous water heaters. He stated, "It makes no sense to ban better performing instantaneous water heaters in the name of ‘green energy’ and force consumers to purchase more expensive and less efficient models. Beyond being ridiculous, it is an unlawful abuse of power." Paxton stated that the action is part of "I will defend Texas from the chronic lawlessness of his Administration" and is collaborating with other state attorneys general and industry partners to prevent the rule from taking effect, due to concerns about its economic impact on consumers, as stated by the Office of the Attorney General.