EPA plans to scrap Energy Star program

The Trump administration plans to eliminate the longstanding Energy Star program, CNN first reported on Tuesday. 

The big picture: The move is part of a broader restructuring of the EPA (which manages the program) announced Friday, including reducing its headcount to the lowest levels since the 1980s.

What’s happening: The EPA is preparing to shut down two divisions within its Office of Air and Radiation, one of which oversees Energy Star. 

• “The Energy Star program and all the other climate work, outside of what’s required by statute, is being de-prioritized and eliminated,” EPA director Paul Gunning told employees on Monday, according to a recording obtained by the New York Times. 

Zoom out: In 2017, the first Trump administration considered dismantling the program, but following strong opposition from over 1,000 companies and industry groups, the House voted to preserve it.

• The scope: Nearly 90 percent of households recognize the popular blue label, with Americans purchasing over 300 million Energy Star-certified products in 2021, according to the program’s website. 

What they’re saying: “Eliminating the Energy Star program would directly contradict this administration’s promise to reduce household energy costs,” Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, told CNN in a statement. 

• “For just $32 million a year, Energy Star helps American families save over $40 billion in annual energy costs,” she added. “That’s a return of $350 for every federal dollar invested.”

What to watch: While the EPA hasn’t publicly confirmed the elimination or provided a timeline, dozens of organizations in March urged the agency to protect the program. 

• The organization, they wrote, “is an example of an effective non-regulatory program and partnership between the government and the private sector… Eliminating it will not serve the American people.”
• Representatives for Energy Star didn’t return a request for comment.