On Friday, Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum instructing the Department of Energy to explore options for rescinding or modifying regulations related to water and energy efficiency for dishwashers and washing machines. The memorandum also encompasses standards concerning water usage in showers, faucets, toilets, and urinals.
This action capped off a series of initiatives aimed at rolling back existing policies designed to reduce costs for consumers by encouraging manufacturers to develop more efficient products. Earlier in the week, media reports indicated that the Trump administration would eliminate the Energy Star program as part of a larger reorganization focused on the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Energy Star program certifies appliances for energy efficiency, providing consumers a recognizable blue label to identify the most efficient options available. The regulations targeted by Trump serve as protections for consumers, ensuring access to products that meet established efficiency standards.
“Congress enacted these laws; the president can’t just decide that they’re going to go away.”
According to a White House fact sheet, the Secretary of Energy is expected to collaborate with the Office of Legislative Affairs to propose changes or repeals for water pressure and energy efficiency laws. The memorandum suggests that enforcement of the current regulations should be paused until they are either rescinded or altered.
The memorandum emphasizes that “The Federal Government should not impose or enforce regulations that make taxpayers’ lives worse.”
Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, warns that eliminating these standards could lead to increased costs for consumers. He stated, “Congress enacted these laws; the president can’t just decide that they’re going to go away.”
In addition, Trump signed four bills under the Congressional Review Act that dismantled Biden-era efficiency standards for a variety of appliances, including water heaters, refrigerators, and walk-in coolers. Additionally, in April, Trump took an executive action aimed at reshaping showerhead standards established during the Obama administration.
