Latest news with #EnergyStar
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Defunding Energy Star will harm small businesses and US competitiveness
The recent announcement by the administration to defund the Energy Star program is an alarming development for small and mid-size businesses that have relied on its benchmarks for over 30 years. From a purely business perspective, the elimination of Energy Star isn't merely about labels on appliances; it directly impacts operational costs, performance consistency and market competitiveness. The Energy Star program stands as a remarkably successful example of a public-private partnership that delivers substantial, measurable benefits to American consumers and businesses and the environment. Energy Star has long provided clear and reliable standards that have enabled small businesses to make informed investments in energy-efficient products. This clarity translates into direct financial savings, reducing energy expenses by up to 30 percent according to the Environmental Protection Agency's own data. Especially for small businesses operating on tight margins, these savings aren't trivial — they represent critical capital that can be reinvested into core business activities such as product development, hiring additional employees or expanding market reach. Beyond immediate cost reductions, Energy Star has established an essential standardization in measuring and reporting appliance and equipment performance. Small business owners have relied on these standards to make purchases confidently, knowing they are investing in products that perform efficiently and reliably over their lifespan. Without the program, businesses face increased uncertainty, leading to potentially costly investments in substandard products that fail to deliver the promised efficiency and reliability. Consumer trust, a crucial component of market competitiveness for all businesses, is also at risk. The label is widely recognized and trusted by a majority of American households, signaling verified quality and efficiency. Its absence would likely result in an influx of misleading performance claims and unverified efficiency assertions, damaging consumer confidence and creating a competitive environment where cutting corners becomes commonplace. This race to the bottom ultimately harms businesses committed to genuine quality and performance standards. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, the return on investment provided by the program speaks for itself — every federal dollar spent on the program results in approximately $350 in cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. Small businesses particularly benefit from these savings, which enhance profitability, improve cash flow and bolster overall economic resilience. The decision to defund Energy Star appears driven less by fiscal prudence and more by an ideological stance against terms like 'climate change' and 'sustainability.' However, dismissing these concepts as mere political rhetoric overlooks the substantial and proven economic benefits they offer businesses and consumers. Efficiency and sustainability are practical, financially responsible strategies that reduce operational costs, strengthen consumer confidence and enhance long-term business viability. Ultimately, maintaining funding for Energy Star isn't about ideological debates, it's a smart business decision that helps American businesses and consumers. Preserving a program that has demonstrably reduced costs, standardized performance and protected consumer trust should be a straightforward choice for any administration committed to the economic health and competitiveness of American small businesses. Michael Green is a senior advisor on climate and energy policy at the American Sustainable Business Network. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Defunding Energy Star will harm small businesses and US competitiveness
The recent announcement by the administration to defund the Energy Star program is an alarming development for small and mid-size businesses that have relied on its benchmarks for over 30 years. From a purely business perspective, the elimination of Energy Star isn't merely about labels on appliances; it directly impacts operational costs, performance consistency and market competitiveness. The Energy Star program stands as a remarkably successful example of a public-private partnership that delivers substantial, measurable benefits to American consumers and businesses and the environment. Energy Star has long provided clear and reliable standards that have enabled small businesses to make informed investments in energy-efficient products. This clarity translates into direct financial savings, reducing energy expenses by up to 30 percent according to the Environmental Protection Agency's own data. Especially for small businesses operating on tight margins, these savings aren't trivial — they represent critical capital that can be reinvested into core business activities such as product development, hiring additional employees or expanding market reach. Beyond immediate cost reductions, Energy Star has established an essential standardization in measuring and reporting appliance and equipment performance. Small business owners have relied on these standards to make purchases confidently, knowing they are investing in products that perform efficiently and reliably over their lifespan. Without the program, businesses face increased uncertainty, leading to potentially costly investments in substandard products that fail to deliver the promised efficiency and reliability. Consumer trust, a crucial component of market competitiveness for all businesses, is also at risk. The label is widely recognized and trusted by a majority of American households, signaling verified quality and efficiency. Its absence would likely result in an influx of misleading performance claims and unverified efficiency assertions, damaging consumer confidence and creating a competitive environment where cutting corners becomes commonplace. This race to the bottom ultimately harms businesses committed to genuine quality and performance standards. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, the return on investment provided by the program speaks for itself — every federal dollar spent on the program results in approximately $350 in cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. Small businesses particularly benefit from these savings, which enhance profitability, improve cash flow and bolster overall economic resilience. The decision to defund Energy Star appears driven less by fiscal prudence and more by an ideological stance against terms like 'climate change' and 'sustainability.' However, dismissing these concepts as mere political rhetoric overlooks the substantial and proven economic benefits they offer businesses and consumers. Efficiency and sustainability are practical, financially responsible strategies that reduce operational costs, strengthen consumer confidence and enhance long-term business viability. Ultimately, maintaining funding for Energy Star isn't about ideological debates, it's a smart business decision that helps American businesses and consumers. Preserving a program that has demonstrably reduced costs, standardized performance and protected consumer trust should be a straightforward choice for any administration committed to the economic health and competitiveness of American small businesses. Michael Green is a senior advisor on climate and energy policy at the American Sustainable Business Network.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Regulators move to scrap rules behind popular money-saving appliances: 'Raising costs dramatically for families'
To comply with an executive order from President Donald Trump, the U.S. Energy Department is preparing to eliminate rules that conserve water and improve energy efficiency. The President claims that such rules make household appliances less effective and more expensive. However, this stance conflicts with government data and industry expertise. As The New York Times reported, the Energy Department is focusing on 47 regulations the Trump administration believes are increasing costs and lowering Americans' quality of life. These regulations address everything from faucets to microwaves, air conditioners, and, oddly, even people trying out for sports teams organized for another gender. However, energy-efficiency experts say that eliminating these regulations would actually drive costs up for American consumers. Without them, running household appliances would become more expensive, draining more natural resources and adding more pollution to our environment. Andrew deLaski, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project's executive director, said in the Times report, "If this attack on consumers succeeds, President Trump would be raising costs dramatically for families as manufacturers dump energy- and water-wasting products into the market." Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to eliminate Energy Star certifications for home appliances and other clean energy programs. Regulations like the 47 on the Energy Department's list described as "burdensome" and "costly" are crucial because they ensure that our planet's resources are used sustainably. They are particularly essential right now as our changing weather patterns create new environmental challenges that threaten the lives of all species. Scientific data proves that renewable energy is among the best ways to lower American families' energy costs. Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce home energy bills by 30% or more. According to government scientists cited by the Times, efficiency standards saved American households an average of $576 in 2024 while reducing U.S. energy consumption by 6.5% and public water use by 12%. Climate activists and supporters of energy efficiency aren't giving up on these important regulations without a fight. According to the Times' sources, laws prohibit the government from becoming more lenient on standards already in place. Eliminating energy standards will likely be met with legal challenges, as their supporters say doing so is illegal. Even if approved, the process would likely take months or even longer to implement. In the meantime, you can do your part to conserve resources while saving money within the comfort of your private home. Energy-efficient appliances like washers and dryers can cut utility bills and contribute to less waste and pollution. You can take your personal actions a step further by contacting your elected officials and encouraging their support for regulations that protect our clean water and energy supplies. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers band together to save Star on appliances
(WKBN) – If you've bought an appliance in the last few decades, you've seen the Energy Star sticker on packaging. The emblem has been around since 1992 and lets consumers know their new appliance is energy-efficient, could save them money on energy bills, and could also come with a rebate. According to the Associated Press, the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Trump Administration, plans to eliminate the Energy Star program. The proposed program cut is part of the EPA's reorganization. EPA has not confirmed when the program would end or what new guidelines might replace it. Trump's proposed budget asks that Congress eliminate the EPA's entire Atmospheric Protection Program, which houses the offices that run Energy Star. The budget described the program as 'an overreach of Government authority that imposes unnecessary and radical climate change regulations on businesses and stifles economic growth,' the Associated Press reported. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined colleagues in Congress in writing a letter to the Trump Administration asking him to reverse course on ending the program. In their letter, the senators highlighted the cost-saving benefits of the program, which is projected to save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR-certified products. Fetterman and his colleagues said that the Energy Star program is the epitome of an 'effective public-private partnership.' EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said during a hearing that the Energy Star program is an example of one that can be run outside of the government. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Government Program That Has Secretly Saved You HUNDREDS on Energy Bills May Be Going Away
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."It is no secret that the current administration is making a concerted effort to downsize, well, pretty much the entire government, starting with (but certainly not limited to) any agencies whose purpose is to combat climate change. If the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comes to mind, you're correct. Earlier in the month, President Trump hinted that one instantly recognizable symbol and the program it represents will likely be on its way out. The symbol in question is the blue sticker with the word "energy" written in cursive beside a silhouette of a star. That's right: The Energy Star program is potentially on the EPA's chopping block for the 2026 budget plan. Ahead, we're breaking down what this program is and how its potential dismantling may impact your energy bills and future appliance purchases. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's website, "Energy Star is a joint program of the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE). Its goal is to help consumers, businesses, and industry save money and protect the environment through the adoption of energy-efficient products and practices." Initiated in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, the Energy Star program has a somewhat complicated history, but for the most part, it has been well-received and bipartisan-supported. There has never been any threat to its existence—until now. Energy Star's potential demise could mean that consumers will no longer be able to easily opt for energy-efficient products, which could result in higher energy bills. According to Ben Evans, the federal legislative director of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Energy Star program cost the government approximately $32 million in 2024. While this amount fluctuates from year to year, the program also saves consumers around $42 billion a year. In other words, the benefits to consumers enormously outweigh the cost to the government, especially when considering just how much the government spends each year. To put this in perspective, in the fiscal year of 2024, the federal government spent $6.8 trillion, which means it allocated about 0.00044 percent of the federal spending on Energy Star. To put it in layman's terms, the purpose of the Energy Star program, Evans says, is to "give consumers more transparency around the energy efficiency of a given product, and the label was basically just a simple indicator that these rated products are highly efficient among their category class." The benefits of energy-efficient products are two-fold: Not only does less energy consumption mean reducing the need for electricity generation (resulting in more reliable power grids and fewer blackouts), but it also means lower energy bills. According to Energy Star's website, the program has helped Americans save more than $500 billion in energy costs since its launch in 1992. While Energy Star-certified appliances are generally more expensive than their non-certified counterparts, the long-term savings far outweigh the purchasing cost. Notably, the Energy Star certification isn't just for appliances; homes, too, can don the blue logo. In fact, according to Evans, "around 350,000 Energy Star-rated homes were built in 2024, with around 100,000 of those in Texas." There's no end date for the Energy Star program as of this writing, even if it is likely to be dismantled at some point in 2025 or 2026. "The [2026] budget does seek to significantly scale back the EPA, which could involve organizational restructuring, including the elimination of non-regulatory programs like Energy Star," says Finn Hossfeld, the U.S. lead of Climate Action Tracker. "However, given that Energy Star was written into law by Congress in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the program's elimination without an act of Congress would be met with legal challenge." If and when the Energy Star program is dismantled, you likely won't see a big difference on your next utility statement. The effect would be longer-term. "Dismantling the program leaves consumers less informed about their purchases. Its elimination would also risk slowing the pace of energy efficiency improvements, which is a key means of reducing both costs and emissions at the same time," Hossfeld explains. What's most likely to happen in the short term would be a more obfuscated consumer environment. "Ultimately, confusion in the market is not a good thing for anyone," Evans explains. "Energy Star is what drives consumers to these energy-efficient products that are helping them save in the long term, so manufacturers invest in producing them, but if there's no clarity on energy efficiency in consumer products, there will become less demand, which means they won't be produced as much, and it becomes a vicious cycle." All this to say, the elimination of Energy Star doesn't mean your energy bills will automatically go up. However, if you are looking to buy a new appliance or home in a few years, the end of this program means that you won't have much clarity on how energy-efficient it will be. Our advice? Buy Energy Star-rated products while you still can. They may be more expensive, but they still provide a good return on investment. According to the Energy Star impacts page, "By choosing Energy Star, a typical household can save about $450 on their energy bills each year and still enjoy the quality and performance they expect." That's not nothing! Follow on and . 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