The Energy Department's proposal to rollback regulations has raised concerns over rising costs and effectiveness of appliances.
Energy Department Moves to Repeal Appliance Efficiency Standards
Energy Department Moves to Repeal Appliance Efficiency Standards
Action criticized by experts as likely to increase household and industrial energy costs.
The Energy Department announced on Monday its intention to repeal 47 energy and water conservation standards for various electric and gas appliances, marking a significant rollback in efficiency regulations. This decision aligns with an executive order signed by President Trump, which aims to eliminate what the administration refers to as “restrictive water pressure and efficiency rules” that hinder the effectiveness of household appliances while contributing to higher costs.
However, environmentalists and energy-use experts have strongly criticized the proposed changes, arguing that they will lead to escalated operational costs for consumers. For instance, the increased inefficiencies would directly affect the expense of running devices such as dehumidifiers and air-conditioners, both essential for comfort and health in many households. Andrew deLaski, the executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project—a coalition advocating for consumer and environmental protections—warned that these changes could result in manufacturers flooding the market with energy and water-intensive products. He stated, "If this attack on consumers succeeds, President Trump would be raising costs dramatically for families."
DeLaski further emphasized that the proposed regulatory reversal violates provisions within a longstanding federal statute that prohibits easing existing efficiency standards. He described the plan as "patently illegal," calling for a reevaluation before implementing such drastic measures.
The U.S. has a rich history of establishing standards that limit the energy and water consumption of household appliances, intending to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. As countries around the globe adopt stricter regulations to combat climate change, critics assert that this rollback threatens progress made toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the United States.
However, environmentalists and energy-use experts have strongly criticized the proposed changes, arguing that they will lead to escalated operational costs for consumers. For instance, the increased inefficiencies would directly affect the expense of running devices such as dehumidifiers and air-conditioners, both essential for comfort and health in many households. Andrew deLaski, the executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project—a coalition advocating for consumer and environmental protections—warned that these changes could result in manufacturers flooding the market with energy and water-intensive products. He stated, "If this attack on consumers succeeds, President Trump would be raising costs dramatically for families."
DeLaski further emphasized that the proposed regulatory reversal violates provisions within a longstanding federal statute that prohibits easing existing efficiency standards. He described the plan as "patently illegal," calling for a reevaluation before implementing such drastic measures.
The U.S. has a rich history of establishing standards that limit the energy and water consumption of household appliances, intending to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. As countries around the globe adopt stricter regulations to combat climate change, critics assert that this rollback threatens progress made toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the United States.
