Congress rallies behind Energy Star amid uncertainty

Despite rumors about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate (or privatize) Energy Star, lawmakers have reaffirmed their support for the program. 

What’s happening: Committees within both the House and Senate in late July approved legislation that would fully fund Energy Star for the next fiscal year.

• The House approved at least $32 million, while the Senate thumbed up $36 million, roughly matching this year’s funding. 
• “[T]his is a major step in the right direction demonstrating that Energy Star has strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill,” wrote Ben Evans, a director at the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Why it matters: The moves represent the most significant action Congress has taken since reports about Energy Star’s potential axing first surfaced in May, which prompted dozens of industry groups to voice their support for the program. 

What’s next: Barring the Trump administration delivering a blow in the meantime, Congress faces a September 30 deadline to finalize the legislation, as fiscal 2026 begins on October 1.