Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Energy Department Eyes Rollback of Appliance Efficiency Standards
The Department of Energy announced plans on Monday to revise energy and water conservation standards covering a wide array of electric and gas appliances. This initiative targets 47 regulations that the department contends are “escalating expenses and diminishing the quality of life for the American populace.” This potential rollback of appliance efficiency standards is poised to impact various household items.
Executive Order Spurs Review of Efficiency Rules
These actions are a consequence of an executive order issued the previous week, in which President Trump directed the Energy Department to “eliminate restrictive water pressure and efficiency rules that render household appliances less effective and more costly.”
Concerns Over Increased Costs and Energy Consumption
However, energy-efficiency specialists and climate advocates express concern that the Energy Department’s proposed revisions will ultimately lead to higher operational costs for common household devices such as dehumidifiers, portable air conditioners, and industrial air compressors.
- Critics argue that the rollback of appliance efficiency standards could reverse progress in energy conservation.
“If this assault on consumers is successful, President Trump would drastically raise expenses for families as manufacturers flood the market with energy- and water-inefficient products,” stated Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, a coalition comprising environmental and consumer groups, utilities, and government entities.
Legality of Rollback Questioned
Mr. deLaski further asserted that the endeavor contravenes an anti-backsliding clause embedded within a longstanding statute, which prohibits the federal government from adopting standards that are more permissive than those currently in effect.
“It’s manifestly unlawful, so exercise caution,” he emphasized in a statement.
Background on Appliance Efficiency Standards
For several decades, the United States, like numerous other nations, has implemented standards governing the energy and water consumption of appliances, including lightbulbs, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.
- These energy efficiency standards have played a role in reducing household utility bills.
Savings Attributed to Efficiency Standards
According to the government’s own scientists, efficiency standards saved the average American household approximately $576 in 2024 on water and gas expenses while simultaneously decreasing the nation’s annual energy consumption by 6.5 percent and public water usage by 12 percent. These measures have contributed to a slower growth rate in total energy and water consumption by American households compared to the population growth rate.
Administration’s Perspective
The Trump administration, however, characterizes these standards as an instance of governmental overreach. Mr. Trump has also voiced frequent complaints regarding shower heads with insufficient water pressure and toilets with inadequate flushing capabilities, attributing these issues to efficiency standards. Conservative factions also contend that efficiency standards compromise the functionality of appliances like dishwashers.
Appliances Targeted for Regulation Changes
The Energy Department’s compilation of targeted appliance regulations encompasses air cleaners, battery chargers, compressors, cooking tops, dehumidifiers, external power supplies, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and faucets.
Potential Impact and Challenges
According to the department, eliminating these standards would “remove over 125,000 words from the Code of Federal Regulations.” Nevertheless, reversing these standards would necessitate a new rule-making process that could extend over several months or longer. The proposed rollback of appliance efficiency standards is also anticipated to encounter legal challenges.
The department did not offer an immediate response to a request for comments.
EPA’s Energy Star Program
Concurrently, the Environmental Protection Agency is contemplating the termination of Energy Star, the widely recognized energy-efficiency certification program for dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, and other household appliances.
Manufacturers’ Evolving Stance
Historically, manufacturers have generally supported government efficiency standards. However, they appear to be shifting towards leveraging Mr. Trump’s deregulatory initiatives.
- Some manufacturers believe that current appliances are already operating near peak efficiency.
Industry Response
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, which represents 150 manufacturers responsible for 95 percent of the household appliances shipped for sale within the United States, indicated that it was still assessing Monday’s announcements.
Association’s Acknowledgment of Past Efficiency Gains
However, Jill A. Notini, a spokeswoman for the association, referenced a statement in which the association conceded that the standards had “helped realize decades of successful improvements in appliance efficiency.” The association also noted that “with most appliances operating near peak efficiency, additional meaningful savings are unlikely for some products” without some sacrifice in performance.
Additional Energy Department Actions
Beyond repealing efficiency measures, the Energy Department intends to dismantle several clean energy and climate change programs. This includes rescinding reporting requirements for a voluntary program enabling companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and terminating a program that provides incentives for electricity generated through renewable power sources.
Diversity and Inclusion Requirements Targeted
The Energy Department is also eliminating what it terms “unscientific” diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements for grant recipients. Specifically, it proposes to repeal regulations designed to prevent grant recipients from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, or age.
Other Proposed Changes
Some proposed revisions appear to have minimal relevance to the department’s mandate. One proposed repeal, for instance, concerns “Ending Requirements for Members of One Sex to Be Able to Try Out for Sports Teams of the Opposite Sex.”