The Trump administration is taking steps to dismantle the Energy Star program, a move that may have a huge impact on American households. The program was launched in 1992 as a public-private partnership under President George H. W. Bush to help consumers identify energy-efficient appliances, which save households an average of $450 per year. Experts warn that its removal could increase utility bills nationwide.
“If you wanted to raise families’ energy bills, getting rid of the Energy Star label would be a pretty good way,” said Steven Nadel of the American Council for Energy Efficiency. In addition to cost savings, Energy Star-rated products can also qualify consumers for rebates and up to $3,200 in annual tax credits. The program has allegedly saved Americans over $500 billion in energy costs since its inception.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which oversees Energy Star, has started a restructuring process. Two important offices that oversee the program, Transportation & Air Quality and Radiation & Indoor Air Quality, are identified for elimination, according to a leaked organizational chart shared by EPA Associate Administrator Molly Vaseliou. Although Vaseliou did not comment on the fate of Energy Star, its future looks bleak.
Critics say the move weakens a high-return investment in energy efficiency. “For less than $32 million a year, Energy Star assists American families in saving more than $40 billion in annual energy costs,” said Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy. “That’s a return of $350 for every federal dollar invested.”
With reports from CNN and The Washington Post confirming the administration’s desire to close down the program, many are concerned about the long-term effects on consumers and the environment. Without Energy Star, consumers are likely to soon pay more and have fewer incentives to make energy-efficient choices.
