The Trump administration has initiated plans to dismantle the Energy Star program, which is known to help homeowners save approximately $450 annually on energy expenses. Steven Nadel from the American Council for Energy Efficiency remarked, “If the goal was to increase families’ energy bills, eliminating the Energy Star label would certainly achieve that.”
Established in 1992, the Energy Star program offers essential information regarding the energy consumption of appliances. Without this program, consumers may face higher costs when purchasing larger appliances. In addition, opting for Energy Star-rated products may qualify buyers for rebates as well as tax credits up to $3,200 each year.
According to reports from CNN and The Washington Post, officials within the Environmental Protection Agency stated that the Trump administration plans to close down the Energy Star program.
Molly Vaseliou, the EPA Associate Administrator for Public Affairs, confirmed via email to Technology News that the agency is entering the “next phase of organizational improvements” to enhance the provision of clean air, water, and land for all Americans.
Vaseliou shared a document outlining a revised organizational structure, which showed that the Office of Transportation & Air Quality and the Office of Radiation & Indoor Air Quality would be eliminated. While she did not specifically address the future of the Energy Star program, it falls under the purview of these departments.
The Energy Star initiative is a public-private partnership established by the first Bush administration in 1992, aimed at promoting energy efficiency among consumers and businesses. Over the years, it has reportedly saved over $500 billion in energy expenditures.
Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy, indicated to CNN, “For an investment of just $32 million per year, Energy Star enables American families to save over $40 billion in yearly energy costs, translating to a return of approximately $350 for each federal dollar spent.”
