Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a coalition of ten attorneys general and the City of New York, has submitted a comment letter to the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The letter urges the department to allow energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment to take effect without further delay. Earlier this month, the DOE issued a rule postponing the effective date of these standards and indicated that additional delays might follow in the future.

Attorney General Bonta has voiced concerns over these actions, stating, "Not only is this delay unlawful, but it will also prevent businesses and consumers from significant savings that cut harmful emissions." He further urged the DOE to implement these standards promptly to drive innovation while protecting economic and environmental interests.

The recent developments are linked to the "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" memorandum issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which advises federal departments to consider a 60-day postponement for certain rules published in the Federal Register. Following this memorandum, the DOE delayed the effective date for energy efficiency standards related to commercial refrigeration equipment originally scheduled for March 24, 2025. The new effective date is now set for May 20, 2025.

In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of these efficiency improvements, noting that without them, outdated and energy-wasting equipment will continue to burden consumers and businesses with higher electricity and gas costs. The DOE projects nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years from these standards, which specifically could save up to $4.61 billion over 30 years of product sales.

In addition to financial benefits, these standards aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Implementing them could result in a decrease of 19.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 30-year span. The delay, according to Bonta, violates both the Energy Policy Conservation Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Attorneys general from Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the City of New York joined the effort led by Attorney General Bonta. A copy of the comment letter is available for public review.