US appeals court voids Biden-era efficiency rule for stoves, ovens

In a separate but related development, the same federal appeals court has denied an appeal filed by six U.S. freight railroads and two industry groups. They were challenging a new rule issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that mandates the presence of at least two crew members on many trains. The railroads argued that the rule was an overreach of the agency's authority and that the FRA had not adequately considered the associated costs. The court rejected these arguments, upholding the FRA's requirement for two-person crews on trains.

The rulings highlight judicial scrutiny of federal agency rulemaking processes. The stove and oven efficiency rule was part of the Biden administration's broader efforts to promote energy conservation and reduce emissions. The railroad crew rule addresses safety concerns within the freight rail industry, aiming to enhance operational safety through increased staffing. Both decisions underscore the legal pathways available to challenge federal regulations and the courts' role in interpreting agency powers and procedural requirements.