Washington Fourth District Rep. Dan Newhouse introduced legislation to prohibit the Department of Energy from finalizing a proposed rule that would limit consumer access to gas kitchen ranges or ovens.  The Sunnyside Republican co-sponsored H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, which prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using federal funds to regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product, or issue or enforce a product safety standard that prohibits the use or sale of gas stoves or substantially increases their price.  In February, the Department of Energy proposed an “energy efficiency standard” for gas cooking products, including an energy performance standard for residential cooktops.  The House is expected to vote on this legislation this week.