Congress rallies behind Energy Star amid uncertainty
Committees within both the House and Senate in late July approved legislation that would fully fund Energy Star for the next fiscal year
Image: Fast Company via Getty Images
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.
Keep reading
How technology can help contractors manage energy incentives with TradeKnight, Sealed, and Coral CEOs
Notes on rebate programs, their complexity, and how technology can help contractors manage them
AHRI calls on industry to protect HVAC tax credit
The incoming Congress is considering eliminating certain tax credits, including the industry-favored 25C credit, to pay for a tax bill
New bill would cement DOE appliance standard overhaul
Utah Senator Mike Lee has introduced a bill that would overhaul how the Department of Energy sets energy efficiency standards for home appliances, including ACs and water heaters
