The Biden administration faced hot criticism over its handling of energy efficiency regulations for gas-powered stovetops, ultimately backtracking from an initially aggressive proposal issued in February 2023.

The Department of Energy (DOE) finalized the rules on Monday after nearly a year of feedback from various stakeholders, including Republicans and consumer advocacy organizations, Fox News Digital reports.

The original proposal, set to impact 50% of gas stove models by 2027, drew opposition for allegedly restricting consumer choice and leading to higher prices.

In response to the criticism, the House passed the bipartisan Save Our Gas Stoves Act in June 2023, aiming to prevent the DOE from implementing stricter conservation standards on stoves.

The compromise reached in September, influenced by industry groups like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), prompted the DOE to abandon its initial proposal, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to its policy goals.

The finalized regulations, set to take effect in early 2028, reflect a significant alteration from the original proposal.

Gas stoves consuming more than 1,770 thousand British thermal units (kBtu) per year will now be banned, impacting only 3% of models compared to the initially targeted 50%.

While the administration emphasizes its dedication to lowering costs for American families and delivering healthier communities, critics argue that the compromise with industry groups may prioritize business interests over stringent environmental standards.

Consumer advocates express concerns about the lack of sufficient consumer input in the decision-making process, questioning the transparency and inclusiveness of the regulatory framework.

The compromise and the perceived prioritization of industry interests over environmental goals raise legitimate questions about the administration’s commitment to its climate agenda and the potential impact on everyday Americans.