Rinnai America Corporation, a manufacturer of innovative, energy-efficient tankless water heaters, is urging lawmakers to take action to protect American manufacturing, jobs and consumer choice.
Rinnai's appeal comes as the US Senate considers the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution SJ Res 4, critical to overturning a proposed rule by the US Department of Energy (DOE) that would effectively ban non-condensing tankless water heaters.
This regulation threatens hundreds of American manufacturing jobs at Rinnai's state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia, a $70 million investment in US manufacturing.
Passing the CRA would protect these jobs and safeguard diverse and competitive employment opportunities in manufacturing, Rinnai said.
The company said its non-condensing tankless water heaters are up to 50 per cent more efficient than traditional storage tank models, ensuring consumers have access to energy-efficient options that reduce long-term costs and energy use.
In a statement Rinnai said the DOE's rule would limit consumer choice and market competition, favouring larger tank manufacturers at the expense of innovation and efficiency.
“If non-condensing models are banned, 80% of consumers would likely switch to less efficient storage tank models, undermining the DOE's energy efficiency goals,” the statement said.
“The DOE's regulation threatens to increase costs for American families. Consumers will face an additional $665 per unit, plus up to $1,000 in installation costs.
“This translates to a $235 million annual cost increase passed directly onto consumers, disproportionately impacting low-income and senior households. Voting yes means protecting American families from unnecessary financial strain and ensuring affordable energy solutions.”
Rinnai said its commitment to US manufacturing stands in stark contrast to many competitors that choose to manufacture products abroad.
“This creates an uneven playing field with long-term economic and environmental consequences for the US manufacturing sector. Rinnai's investment in Georgia strengthens American manufacturing and ensures the US remains competitive on the global stage,” the company said.
“Rinnai calls on the US Senate to urgently pass the Congressional Review Act resolution and overturn the DOE's harmful regulation.”
Rinnai said supporting the CRA will protect US jobs and manufacturing investment, prevent unnecessary cost increases for American families, ensure continued progress on energy efficiency while also preserving consumer choice and market competition.
Rinnai America Corporation is a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, which was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia.