The Energy Department is set to repeal 47 regulations aimed at conserving energy and water for household appliances, igniting concerns among experts about rising costs for consumers.
Energy Department Plans Major Rollback of Appliance Efficiency Standards
Energy Department Plans Major Rollback of Appliance Efficiency Standards
A significant policy shift could raise appliance costs for American families.
The Energy Department announced on Monday its intention to reverse energy and water conservation standards for a wide range of household and industrial appliances. This action, focused on 47 regulations, is part of an effort promoted by President Trump’s recent executive order, which claims that current efficiency standards "burden" consumers with rising costs and affect the quality of life.
Critics, comprising energy-efficiency experts and environmental organizations, argue that these rollbacks will lead to higher operational costs for appliances such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, expressed his dismay, suggesting that the move would allow lower-quality, energy-wasting appliances to flood the market, putting a financial strain on families.
DeLaski also pointed out a legal issue, referring to an anti-backsliding clause in existing laws that forbids the adoption of less stringent standards than those that are already in place. “It’s patently illegal,” he asserted, calling for caution over the proposed changes.
The United States has maintained energy standards for decades to regulate energy and water consumption across a variety of appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and light bulbs. The reversal of these regulations could undermine decades of progress in energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
Critics, comprising energy-efficiency experts and environmental organizations, argue that these rollbacks will lead to higher operational costs for appliances such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, expressed his dismay, suggesting that the move would allow lower-quality, energy-wasting appliances to flood the market, putting a financial strain on families.
DeLaski also pointed out a legal issue, referring to an anti-backsliding clause in existing laws that forbids the adoption of less stringent standards than those that are already in place. “It’s patently illegal,” he asserted, calling for caution over the proposed changes.
The United States has maintained energy standards for decades to regulate energy and water consumption across a variety of appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and light bulbs. The reversal of these regulations could undermine decades of progress in energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
