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As of August 1, the Energy Department will fully enforce new efficiency regulations that the old incandescent bulbs can't meet, effectively prohibiting their retail sale. Over half the country still appears to be using mostly incandescent lighting. The Energy Department is proposing new efficiency standards covering gas stoves and electric stoves and ovens. Biden's Department of Energy is planning to ratchet up the minimum efficiency standards for gas-fire water heaters, oil-fired storage water heaters, and gas-fired instantaneous water heaters; the new rules are set take effect in 2029. Air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines for clothes, and dryers are also targeted.

.Water heaters could soon be subject to much more stringent efficiency requirements if a recent Department of Energy proposal that has been criticized by Republican lawmakers goes into effect.

In a draft rule unveiled Friday, the Biden administration is seeking to compel most electric water heaters to deploy heat pump technology and gas-fired ones to use condensing technology.