Trump sidesteps legal limits in bid to gut appliance energy rules

Donald Trump’s second-term strategy to dismantle appliance efficiency standards hinges on canceling a crucial government contract, sowing confusion among manufacturers, regulators, and environmental advocates.

Peter Elkind reports for ProPublica.

In short:

The Trump administration has quietly targeted the Department of Energy’s efficiency standards program by canceling a $247 million contract with Guidehouse, the consulting firm that manages rule enforcement and testing.
The move, if finalized, would upend decades-old regulations that have cut energy use, lowered emissions, and saved Americans hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills.
While Trump issues flashy executive orders on items like showerheads, real damage may come from behind-the-scenes dismantling of administrative infrastructure, leaving regulations intact but unenforceable.

Key quote:

“The president is asserting king-like authority.”

— Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project

Why this matters:

Energy efficiency rules have quietly reshaped American homes since the 1970s, trimming waste and emissions from everything from dishwashers to lightbulbs. Today’s devices consume far less energy and water while performing better, thanks to years of data-driven standards negotiated among manufacturers, environmentalists, and regulators. These rules help cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce power plant demand, and ease strain on water systems, especially in drought-prone areas. Gutting the system by defunding enforcement invites a flood of cheap, inefficient imports and undermines domestic innovation. It could leave Americans with weaker tools to fight both high utility bills and climate change.

www.propublica.org

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