Energy Department pushes major rollback of appliance and energy efficiency rules
The Department of Energy has proposed eliminating dozens of energy efficiency rules for appliances and fuels in what it calls a cost-cutting effort, triggering legal threats from environmental groups and states.
Christa Marshall reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The Department of Energy announced 47 deregulatory actions that would eliminate over 125,000 words from the Code of Federal Regulations, primarily by rescinding efficiency standards on appliances such as dishwashers, stoves, and showerheads.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright, under President Trump’s directive, emphasized that the rollbacks are aimed at boosting consumer choice and reducing regulatory burdens within just over 110 days.
- Legal experts and environmental advocates argue the move violates federal law, citing an anti-backsliding clause meant to prevent weakening existing efficiency standards, and predict lawsuits from states and advocacy groups.
Key quote:
“They are ignoring the law. When you take these standards away, that’s going to increase costs for consumers and businesses.”
— Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project
Why this matters:
Energy efficiency standards have long served as a quiet force for public health, environmental protection, and economic savings. By reducing the energy needed to run everyday appliances, these rules help cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease utility bills for millions of households. Rolling them back could increase carbon emissions just as global climate efforts demand reductions. The legal dispute brewing over DOE’s move could shape how far executive agencies can go in unraveling regulations passed under previous administrations.
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