AHAM Urging Consumer Action on Gas Appliance Bill

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, as part of an effort "to ensure consumers continue to have access to a full range of cooking options and features," is urging consumers to contact their Congressional representatives to request support for the "Save Our Gas Stoves Act," proposed legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Dept. of Energy from implementing a proposed cooking-product regulation that AHAM says would result in longer cooking times and the loss of many gas stove features.

If the proposed DOE standard take effect as proposed, AHAM contends, consumers will witness a radical redesign of gas ranges, since 96% of existing gas cooking models would not meet the proposed standards.

"DOE's proposed standard would be a major step back in gas cooking innovation," said the Washington, DC-based AHAM, which represents most of the nation's major appliance manufacturers.

According to AHAM, DOE's proposal threatens to eliminate the option of having more than one large burner. The standard would also eviscerate low-input burners, removing the ability to melt, simmer and keep foods warm without burning.

To produce ranges that meet the proposed standard, manufacturers "would be forced to radically redesign gas cooking appliances in a way that reduces many features present on currently available models," the association said.

"This overly stringent proposal is part of a slew of other stringent DOE appliance standards proposals that would have negative product utility impacts for consumers and cost impacts for consumers and manufacturers," AHAM added.

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