Biden administration targets ceiling fans, saying the appliances should be more 'energy efficient'

The Department of Energy is proposing a new rule that it says would reduce air pollution while making ceiling fans more energy efficient in order to save households money on energy costs, according to reports. 

This new rule would save households about $39 over the lifespan of the new energy-efficient fan, according to the Energy Department's analysis. The department added it will cost a total of $86.6 million per year associated with the increased equipment manufacturers will need, according to Fox Business.

"This rule would require numerous small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products and may put between 10 and 30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers out of business," GOP members of the House Committee on Small Business wrote in a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Thursday. 

"It appears that the Department of Energy (DOE) may not have properly considered small entities during this rulemaking process," the letter continued. 

A DOE spokesperson defended the proposed rule in a statement to Fox Business. 

"These proposed standards, which are required by Congress, wouldn’t take effect until 2028, would give Americans more energy efficient options to choose from, and would save hardworking taxpayers up to $369 million per year, while substantially reducing harmful air pollution — a crucial fact that some have conveniently failed to mention," the spokesperson told the outlet.

The public comment timeline on the rule ended earlier this week on Aug. 22, according to the Washington Examiner. 

The Energy Department has recently been imposing and proposing new, stringent regulations on various household appliances, including for washing machines, gas stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners and dishwashers.