Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) voted no on H.J.Res.75, "Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to 'Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers” according to the legiscan roll call vote. The resolution was passed by the House in March, passed the Senate on May 1, and was signed into law by President Trump on May 9, 2026. Trump publicly supported the resolution as part of his energy agenda. 

H.J.Res.75 nullifies a Department of Energy (DOE) rule that established new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers, according to Congress.gov. The original DOE rule, published on January 21, 2025, aimed to achieve maximum improvements in energy efficiency. Under the Congressional Review Act, this joint resolution disapproves the DOE's rule, rendering it without force or effect.

The repeal of these energy efficiency standards aligns with President Trump's broader energy agenda, focused on deregulation and increased domestic energy production, according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas), a sponsor of the resolution. By overturning the DOE's rule, the administration aims to reduce regulatory burdens on manufacturers and small businesses, potentially lowering costs and promoting economic growth. This action reflects the administration's commitment to rolling back regulations.

The American Energy Alliance (AEA), a nonprofit organization advocating for free-market energy policies, endorsed H.J.Res.75. The AEA stated that a "YES" vote on the resolution supports free markets and affordable energy. They said that the DOE's rule would have imposed unnecessary costs on manufacturers and consumers without delivering significant energy savings. By repealing the rule, the AEA said that American workers and the economy will benefit from reduced regulatory burdens and increased competitiveness.

Emilia Sykes, a Democrat from Ohio, was elected to Congress in 2022 after serving as the minority leader in the Ohio House of Representatives, according to her House website.