Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jake Tyner for his career in the United States Congress. A Towson, Maryland native, Jake began his career in Washington, D.C. in 2016 as Director and Associate Policy Counsel of the Global Energy Institute for the United States Chamber of Commerce after receiving his bachelor's degree from Elon University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In 2020, Jake came to the United States of House of Representatives as Policy Advisor and Counsel to Congressman David McKinley (WV-01) before becoming General Counsel to Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Through these roles, Jake proved his expertise in energy and environmental policy. As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I was pleased to have him as a member of my team as Chief Counsel for the Environment Subcommittee to help develop and implement the committee's legislative agenda. Recently, Jake accepted a role in President Trump's administration to serve under Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, as Deputy Solicitor for Energy and Mineral Resources. I know Jake will be a valuable asset to Secretary Burgum, President Trump, and the American people, the same way he was for me and the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I thank him, congratulate him on his new role, and wish him the best in his future.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as we have heard today, the Biden-Harris administration DOE's final rule for commercial refrigeration equipment will have a detrimental impact on small businesses and the consumers. If small businesses thought this was going to benefit their businesses, I guarantee you, Mr. Speaker, as a family business owner, we would invest in it. We would not have to be mandated to invest in it. This final rule does not even meet the statutory requirements laid out in ECPA for new or amended energy efficiency standards. With a cost of at least $8 billion, questions surrounding the technological feasibility of the standards and serious food safety concerns cloud this rulemaking. Simply put, the DOE far exceeded the bounds of its authority with this rule. If Congress does not act, this final regulation will harm small businesses, drive up costs for American families, and put already expensive equipment out of reach for many who need it for their livelihoods. That is why the following groups are supporting this CRA: The National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers; NATSO, representing truck stops and travel centers; SIGMA, representing fuel marketers; and National Automatic Merchandizing Association, which includes vending machine operators. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this. I just want to be clear. I don't have anything in my family business in any of these businesses, but I will tell you what we look at is do we get a return on investment and can we serve our customers better. The list I just said, they looked at it and said that if they don't get a return on their investment, then they can't serve their customers better by this rule. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 75 to overturn these unworkable energy standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Goldman), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Register lists this class of equipment, and the simple payback period in years is 93.9 for all purchasers. I have it right here. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), who is the vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as President Trump took office in January, the Biden- Harris Department of Energy finalized amended energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. H.J. Res. 75, introduced by Representative Goldman of Texas, a new member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, repeals this final rule. New standards for this equipment, which included a variety of products, became effective just 3 years ago. Yet the Biden administration moved ahead with implementing burdensome new standards. In fact, these standards will require energy reductions up to 60 percent on top of the previous standards, pushing the price of this equipment higher than ever before. The Department of Energy itself estimates the final rule will cost $8 billion. However, it substantially underestimated compliance costs throughout the rulemaking process. The Department of Energy, despite feedback from stakeholders, did not account for the significant ongoing capital investment manufacturers must make to shift to new refrigerants. When amending energy efficiency standards, the Department of Energy must prove that new or amended standards are economically justified, as well as technologically feasible, and that they result in significant savings. Not only is it unclear if compliance with the DOE's final rule is technically feasible but it is certainly clear that the rule is not cost-effective. For example, one popular refrigerator design covered by this rule, vertically closed transparent commercial refrigerators, is estimated by the Department of Energy to have a payback period of almost 94 years under the amended standards. For retailers, many of which are small or family-owned businesses, it makes no sense to purchase equipment that will take nearly 100 years to recoup the cost on, especially when the average lifetime of this product is 14 years. This will result in less efficient equipment being used beyond its recommended lifetime or a significant capital expenditure which will have to be passed down to American families in the form of higher prices. This is a lose-lose situation for small business owners and clearly violates the letter of the law. We must pass H.J. Res. 75 to repeal this midnight rule and provide certainty to American manufacturers and small retailers. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Goldman) for his leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 75, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is difficult for small businesses to stay in business. I would say if this equipment was going to do for small businesses what the Department of Energy and the other side is saying, they would buy them. They wouldn't have to be told to buy them. I have a letter from the National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, which sells to restaurants and so forth. It says these costs must be passed on to customers, many of which are small businesses like restaurants, bars, retailers, hotels, grocers, and schools. As the Department of Energy acknowledges in its own analysis, the increased capital expense caused by these standards may take more than--not many small businesses will invest their money if it is going to take more than 10, 75, and up to 94 years. Most small businesses don't stay in families more than a couple of generations. In many instances, to match cost reductions achieved through higher efficiency gains, more expensive equipment translates into higher costs for consumers. This is simple economics. As the cost of inputs in doing business increases, a restaurant's or grocer's prices also must increase to make enough of a profit to stay in business. The other argument you can make is that if you buy this, you are going to be more efficient. The other side has said that then you can make more profit. If that is the case, believe me, our small businesses would be doing it without a government mandate. Mr. Speaker, I will yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird), my friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 75.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I have a letter here from the National Automatic Merchandising Association--vending machines, as most of us would know it--that it would be affecting their vending members. Most are small businesses. Ninety-plus percent of their operators have revenues of less than $10 million a year. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), my good friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 242, I call up the joint resolution (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'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Griffith, for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, this rule is an example of unsubstantiated bureaucratic overreach that does not have any added impact to public health benefits and actually goes so far as to have a negative environmental impact. The Biden-Harris EPA finalized a rule targeting American tire manufacturers that runs the risk of destroying domestic tire production and eliminating thousands of good-paying American jobs. When finalizing the rule, the EPA stated the goal was to reduce emissions from hazardous air pollutants. However, the rule also adds emissions limitations for total hydrocarbons. These two pollutants are not correlated. In short, limiting hydrocarbons does not reduce emissions from hazardous air pollutants. Additionally, implementation of this rule requires facilities to use regenerative thermal oxidizers. Use of RTOs will result in higher carbon dioxide emissions, as they require significant energy inputs to operate and maintain. American tire manufacturers already comply with National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, known as NESHAP, and are operating well under the acceptable limitations. The manufacturers' compliance has ensured that our communities are safe. On the other hand, this rule all but ensures their demise. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are concerned about why we are bringing these issues up now. Due to the number of Biden-Harris administration midnight regulations, we have no choice in Congress but to address the onslaught of these policies before they destroy businesses and make life more expensive for the American people. Mr. Speaker, let us be pragmatic and use common sense in our policymaking, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 61.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in the subcommittee this morning, it was brought to my attention that our colleague Sylvester Turner had passed away. He was new here, so I didn't really know him that well. Actually, the first time was either Monday or--the days run together. It would have been yesterday during votes, right before we adjourned to get ready for the special session, he was sitting right there on the aisle on the corner, and I shook his hand and talked to him for the first time. Today, in Energy and Commerce, there were two Members, our colleagues from Texas, Mr. Weber and Mr. Goldman, who served with him in the Texas Legislature. If you listened to what they said about Sylvester Turner, only knowing him for a day or so, I missed a lot. He seemed to be a wonderful man, a wonderful person, and my thoughts and prayers and the thoughts of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I know the whole House, are with his family. He is going to be missed. I will get down to the business in front of us. I know that has moved all of us--that is why I wanted to bring it up--to lose such a great colleague. I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 42 to repeal the Biden administration's burdensome and unnecessary certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for 20 different products that American families and businesses rely on day in and day out. Over the last 4 years, the Biden Department of Energy proposed and finalized new and amended standards for 30 appliance classes, regulating virtually every appliance in our houses and much of the equipment in businesses. All of these regulations led to over $60 billion in added costs. Implementing these certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions will further solidify the disastrous standards promulgated under the last administration. This rule alone will increase costs annually by $213,000 while doing nothing to improve appliance efficiency, extend product lifetimes, or lower costs. While consumers struggle to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of appliances and dwindling product optionality, the Biden administration consistently hampered innovation by imposing unnecessary and duplicative regulation on manufacturers. Fortunately, H.J. Res. 42 will roll back this red tape and enable Congress and the Trump administration to safeguard consumer choice and lower costs for American households. I thank the gentleman from the Ninth District of Georgia (Mr. Clyde), my good friend, for leading this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 42. We will miss our good friend from Texas, as I said, who I really got to know in the last 24 hours. I missed a lot by not knowing him longer. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this resolution.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my sincere thanks to my Communications Director, DJ Griffin, who recently ended his tenure with my office. A proud graduate of Colgate University, DJ began his Washington, DC career as a Senior Associate Director of Research for the Republican National Committee. The White Plains, New York native then began working on Capitol Hill as a Communications Director for Congressman Mike Collins prior to joining my office. In 2023, I welcomed DJ to my office as the Communications Director and he has been devoted to achieving the goals of our office and has made a lasting impact on the communications to our district, keeping our constituents informed of what was going on in Washington, DC, DJ has proven to be an extremely valuable member of my team by clearly communicating what is happening in the halls of Congress with my constituents and helping me to secure the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I want to thank DJ Griffin for his work serving Kentucky's Second District as a dedicated public servant. While it is a loss for my staff, I am grateful for his time serving the constituents of my district and wish him all the best on his next chapter in the United States Senate.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 35 to repeal the Biden- Harris administration's natural gas tax. For the last 4 years, Americans witnessed firsthand the implementation of a heavyhanded, top- down regulatory agenda that put the interests of the environmental left first, leading to increased prices for families and businesses. This resolution would overturn the rule implementing the EPA's waste emissions charge which was published following the 2024 Presidential election as part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program established in the Inflation Reduction Act. Energy produced in the United States has some of the lowest methane emissions intensity in the world. U.S. upstream oil and gas producers have reduced their total methane emissions intensity by 42 percent since 2015. We have our entrepreneurial spirit to thank for this success, not policies like the WEC, which are unworkable for American producers and will lead to our allies being forced to rely on gas with higher emissions coming from adversarial nations like Venezuela. Businesses and consumers rely on the affordable and reliable natural gas underneath our feet. By putting new taxes on this baseload power, the Biden-Harris administration put the interests of their far-left base ahead of the needs of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that will enable us to enact President Trump's energy agenda and restore American energy dominance.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry Thomas Glass, Sr. Larry, a lifelong resident of Barren County, Kentucky, was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Larry is survived by his family, including his wife Sylvia. Larry was a pillar of the Barren County community as the proud owner and operator of Larry Glass Construction Company, in Glasgow. Larry and his wife of 54 years Geraldine, who passed away in 2016, came from humble beginnings, having built their company from the ground up. Their business has been a stalwart of the community in Barren County and south-central Kentucky for decades. Their charitable work includes helping local community partners and refusing to send them a bill afterwards. You didn't have to meet Larry to be impacted by him in Barren County. Larry was very generous and devoted to international mission work, especially to the people of Ukraine. His philanthropy allowed him to help build a ministry school in Ukraine that continues to train preachers so that they may spread the gospel throughout the country. Larry's ministry also reached the Philippines where he helped to build churches, homes, and support orphanages across the country. On behalf of Kentucky's Second District, please join me in remembering the life of Larry Glass, Sr.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Kayi Gambill Lewis. Kayi was the dedicated wife of former Congressman Ron Lewis for nearly 60 years, and together they proudly served Kentucky's Second District for fifteen years in the House of Representatives. Kayi was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, former Congressman Ron Lewis, their son Brent Lewis and his wife Amanda, their daughter Allison Coffey and her husband, Tyler, and multiple grandchildren. Kayi was integral to her husband's success in the U.S. Congress--she was his most ardent supporter and his fiercest advocate. She was a key representative on her husband's behalf at events across the district when Congressman Lewis' duties kept him in Washington. Kayi a Hardin County, Kentucky resident, was a force in her community and a dedicated member of the Youngers Creek Baptist Church. When Ron returned to being a pastor following his service in Congress, she helped him to lead their congregation's service each week. Kayi was also the former President of the Hardin County Republican Women's Club and a member of the Congressional Women's Club. Kayi was beloved by many in our community and will be deeply missed. On behalf of Kentucky's Second District and a grateful community, please join me in remembering the life and legacy of Kayi Lewis.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), the vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee and my good friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments. Mr. Speaker, I just will say that, if someone is trafficking in illicit fentanyl, they belong in jail. I understand the argument that people who are addicted need help and support, but if someone is trafficking in illicit fentanyl, they belong in jail. If someone is trafficking in a fentanyl derivative that is not scheduled, they don't go to jail. That is what we are here to do today. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans), my good friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, derivatives of illicit fentanyl have to be scheduled for traffickers to be prosecuted. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), my good friend and member of the committee.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Fitzgerald), my friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, we are going to work on the SUPPORT Act, but the vote before us today that people are going to put their names to, a yes or no: Do we want to make illegal derivatives of fentanyl produced and conceived in China sent to Mexico and across our border to kill our people? That is what the vote is going to be today. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and my friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell), a new member of the Republican Conference, a new Member of Congress, and my good friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.