ICYMI: CNN: Trump admin plans to shut down money-saving Energy Star program soon, sources say

Washington, D.C. – Today, CNN reports that the Trump administration plans to shut down Energy Star, an appliance efficiency standards program that saves Americans more than $40 billion on household energy costs each year. Despite decades of bipartisan support, Trump has spent years trying to end the program. With Trump’s reckless tariffs and short-sighted policy agenda leading to price increases across the board, this is yet another example of Trump increasing costs for hardworking Americans.

CNN: Trump admin plans to shut down money-saving Energy Star program soon, sources say

“The Trump administration is preparing to eliminate two key Environmental Protection Agency divisions focused on climate change and energy efficiency, including its consumer-facing Energy Star program, according to two sources familiar with the plan.” …

“The agency is also planning to close its Energy Star program, a longstanding public-private partnership certifying energy efficient appliances and helping consumers find products and tax credits to bring down the cost of energy efficient appliances like air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigerators and washing machines.”

“President Donald Trump floated dismantling or privatizing Energy Star in his first term, but the fate of the program has been unclear so far in his second term. Bipartisan groups have been urging the administration to save it.”

“Eliminating the Energy Star program would directly contradict this administration’s promise to reduce household energy costs,” said Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit coalition Alliance to Save Energy, in a statement to CNN. “For just $32 million a year, Energy Star helps American families save over $40 billion in annual energy costs. That’s a return of $350 for every federal dollar invested.” …

“Energy Star was implemented by the first Bush administration in 1992. According to the program’s website, it is “the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in America,” with over 90% of US households recognizing the label.”…

“The program is “nearly universally supported” by manufacturers, retailers, home builders and US consumers, said Joe Goffman, who led EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation under Biden.”