The Biden Energy Department took a step closer to policing American kitchens with proposed new performance standards for both gas and electric stoves while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis turned up the heat on big government overreach.
Even though the regime had to retreat after it was suggested that it could ban gas stoves altogether based on the findings of a sketchy study and remarks by Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. that drew public outrage, the White House’s war on freedom continues, only in stealth mode.
On Wednesday, notice of the proposed tough new efficiency standards on “consumer conventional cooking products” was published in the Federal Register, rules that would set new kilowatt hour performance standards for both gas and electric stoves and ovens.
As is often the case, increased government control over the lives of Americans was pitched with an innocuous pretense, this time that the new standards would “would save a significant amount of energy… and a lifetime energy savings for consumer conventional cooking products purchased.”
Also on Wednesday, DeSantis ripped the Biden regime’s climate zealots as he provided needed financial relief to Floridians by permanently removing all taxes on gas stoves.
“They want your gas stove and we’re not going to let that happen,” the Sunshine State Republican said in Tallahassee where he announced the framework of the state’s new budget.
“It’s just the principle of, you know, this is ridiculous,” he said, “And they do want to go after it, they got blowback so they kind of had to back off, they want to go after the gas stoves and so we’re saying you know, we want you to be able to buy those free of charge from the state of Florida for taxes.”
“My guiding duty is protecting consumer health and safety. Gas stoves can emit dangerous level of toxic chemicals – even when not in use – and @USCPSC will consider all approaches to regulation,”
“This is a hidden hazard,” Trumka also told Bloomberg News. “Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned.”
But he quickly retreated after intense blowback over the idea that an administration that has declared war on reliable energy sources as well as the cherished freedoms previously enjoyed by Americans.
“To be clear, CPSC isn’t coming for anyone’s gas stoves. Regulations apply to new products,” Trumka insisted after Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) reacted by calling for restraints on the power of unelected bureaucrats.
The firestorm over a potential federal government ban on gas stoves forced the administration into damage control mode with Biden’s top spox denying that her boss had such intentions.
“The president does not support banning gas stoves and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is independent, is not banning gas stoves,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told a reporter as outrage over Trumka’s remarks raged.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic Party’s ideological thought leader weighed in on the controversy, claiming that gas stoves are linked to “reduced cognitive performance,” oblivious to the irony of her tweet.
One of the socialist diva’s congressional colleagues, GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas is among those who feel very strongly about keeping the government out of kitchens.
“I’ll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!” Jackson said.
