California Attorney General Rob Bonta has spearheaded a coalition of ten attorneys general and the City of New York to address the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The coalition has submitted a comment letter urging the DOE to enforce energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, which are currently delayed.
DOE recently issued a rule that postpones the implementation of these standards. Attorney General Bonta argues that this delay is unlawful and will negatively affect consumers, businesses, and the environment. He stated, "Not only is this delay unlawful, but it will also prevent businesses and consumers from significant savings that cut harmful emissions."
The delay stems from the "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" memorandum issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025. This memorandum encouraged federal departments and agencies to consider postponing certain rule implementations for 60 days. In line with this, on March 7, 2025, DOE published a rule delaying the effective date for energy efficiency standards related to commercial refrigeration equipment from March 24, 2025, to May 20, 2025.
The comment letter from Attorney General Bonta outlines potential negative consequences of the delay. It notes that without the efficiency improvements, outdated, energy-wasting equipment will continue in use, leading to increased costs for electricity and gas. DOE projects nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years from these standards, with up to $4.61 billion saved specifically from the delayed standards over the same period. Additionally, the improved standards are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 19.7 million metric tons over 30 years.
Bonta's coalition includes attorneys general from Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, along with the City of New York. They collectively argue that the delay violates the Energy Policy Conservation Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.
The comment letter submitted can be accessed for further details.