This is part of the Hotcoldwetdry push, but dovetails nicely into the notion of Progressives being “nice fascists”, ie, they’re being heavy handed in controlling the lives of everyone for your own good
(Daily Caller) Better go out and buy a gas fireplace and stove soon before federal regulations make them more expensive. Federal officials are looking to regulate the energy usage of fake fireplaces as part of the Obama administration’s effort to fight global warming.
The Energy Department has proposed new regulations that would mandate that “gas-fired hearth products†like decorative fireplaces and stoves be more energy efficient and produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions. DOE says its rule would save $165 over the lifespan of the average hearth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 11.1 million metric tons through 2030.
The DOE also notes that the price of gas hearths will likely go up because of its mandate. For example, smaller hearth producers could see the costs of making an outdoor hearth increase by $65 per unit. The cost of a vented indoor hearth could increase by $31 per unit because of the electronic ignition system.
I know what Warmists/Progressives will say: “hey, it’s ONLY $165 over lots and lots of years. It’s a small price for (Other People) to pay to save Earth from certain doom!!!!!!” Yes, it is only $165, and these appliances can be in place for 10 years, 20, 30, and longer. But, you add this to all the other Hotcoldwetdry regulation/rules/laws caused price increases, directly and indirectly, and this becomes a huge chunk of change. And that is getting beyond the notion that any cost increase due to regulations/rules/laws based on junk science is absurd. And, we must remember that all these dink and dunk freedom restrictions add up.
