The Trump administration has set its sights on eliminating the Energy Star program, a longstanding initiative that has helped Americans save billions on energy costs over the past three decades.
The plan was revealed during an Environmental Protection Agency meeting on Monday, according to documents obtained by Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and shared with CBS News. A chart presented at the meeting marked the 33-year-old program for closure as part of a broader reorganization effort.
Energy Star, recognizable by its blue label on appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, was established in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush.
The voluntary certification program helps consumers identify products that meet specific energy efficiency standards set by the EPA. Energy Star has helped Americans save over $500 billion on energy costs, but if the program is eliminated, those savings could become harder to achieve.
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Not the first attempt
This isn’t the first time the program has faced elimination threats. During his first term, President Trump tried to shut down Energy Star, but the effort was abandoned after significant pushback from appliance manufacturers and bipartisan lawmakers who recognized its economic and environmental value.
Many homeowners bought Energy Star-certified appliances to reduce long-term costs, but if these standards disappear, it might be time to consider other ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. One option: tapping into your home equity for upgrades. Hometap lets you unlock up to $600K of your wealth without monthly payments or personal liability.
EPA’s response
When asked about the current plan, the EPA acknowledged it is delivering organizational improvements to the personnel structure, but didn’t specifically address Energy Star’s future. The agency stated these changes would benefit the American people and better advance the agency’s core mission, while powering the Great American Comeback.
Economic and environmental benefits at risk
Energy Star has a substantial market presence. According to the EPA, approximately $100 billion worth of products bearing the Energy Star label are sold each year. Beyond the consumer savings, the program has prevented 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island and the EPW ranking member, criticized the decision in a CBS report: “Trump claimed he’d lower prices on Day 1, but by eliminating this program, he will force Americans to buy appliances that cost more to run and waste more energy.”
Part of broader energy policy shift
The potential elimination aligns with the Trump administration’s broader stance against energy regulations, which it argues increase costs for manufacturers and energy providers. The administration has prioritized boosting fossil fuel extraction on U.S. lands as part of its strategy to combat inflation.
In January, Trump signed an executive order to unleash America’s affordable and reliable energy and natural resources, which included a review of restrictions on consumer vehicle choices and appliances.
Impact on consumers
Without Energy Star’s standardized certification system, consumers would lose a trusted guide for identifying energy-efficient products that save money on utility bills over time. The program’s voluntary labeling has become a valuable tool for shoppers making both environmentally conscious and economically sound purchasing decisions.
The elimination of this certification standard could make it significantly harder for consumers to compare energy efficiency between products, potentially leading to higher household energy consumption and increased utility costs nationwide.
With energy costs potentially rising and efficiency standards at risk, it’s a good time to revisit your long-term financial strategy. If you have over $100,000 in savings, consider talking to a professional. SmartAsset offers a free service that matches you to a vetted, fiduciary advisor in less than 5 minutes.
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