CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – It was about a year ago when the government advised us that the gas stove in your kitchen isn’t safe. And their advisory came with a warning. Gas stove users were reminded that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has broad powers to ban things that aren’t safe.
Most of us looked at the war on gas stoves as comedy. But it isn’t. While the federal government disavows that gas stoves will be banned, there are developments at the state and local level. New York is banning gas appliances in high rises above 20 stories. If you admire the view from the 21st floor, your only choice will be an electric stove. The new code will be phased in for buildings 7 stories high in future years.
And the federal government is becoming more aggressive about what appliances are and aren’t allowed in your home. Just last Friday new energy efficiency standards were announced for hot water heaters. The least expensive models – electric or natural gas-powered tanks – will be phased out. The next time you replace your hot water service, it will be much more expensive… but we’re told it will be more officiant and you’ll save a few dollars in each month’s electric bill.
The federal government has also made advisory announcements about new efficiency standards for other household appliances. Your only choices will be much more expensive dishwashers, air conditioners, and washing machines and dryers.
All of this is government overreach. It’s taking away the trade-offs that you and I used to make when we made basic consumer choices. If I decide that a small window-box air conditioner is the right choice for my guest bedroom, I used to get to make the choice. I could buy an inexpensive model for about $150, and when I ran it, my utility bill might be higher than it would otherwise be. If I want to buy an inexpensive electric-powered hot water tank for the hunting cabin, I might opt for the cheapest model to save money. The government is eliminating those choices. You will buy the more expensive environmentally friendly air conditioner; the others will no longer be on store shelves. Your only choice will be the tankless heater, at double the price.
If consumers won’t make the “right” – or the government-approved choice – the government will make it for them.
Chris Conley
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