Trump administration halts efficiency mandates for ACs

The Department of Energy on Friday announced it will “postpone the implementation” of several Biden-era efficiency mandates, including for central air conditioners. 

The big picture: The Biden administration’s rules aimed to cut homeowners’ energy bills and reduce emissions, however, Republicans consider its efforts an “attack on consumer choice,” The Hill noted. 

• The announcement comes just nine days after new Energy Secretary Chris Wright declared that affordability and consumer choice would drive the Department’s agenda.

What’s happening: The DOE will postpone efficiency mandates for central air conditioners, gas water heaters, commercial refrigeration equipment, and four other appliance categories, per a statement. 

• “Today’s announcement will foster consumer choice and lower prices — it is a win for all Americans,” Wright said. 
• “The people, not the government, should be choosing the home appliances and products they want at prices they can afford,” he added.

The DOE is also establishing a “new energy efficiency category” for natural gas tankless water heaters, which exempts these products from previous regulations. 

Of note: The announcement left unclear which specific air conditioner standards are affected, and the Department didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The bottom line: While no timeline was given for the postponements, the decision cements the Energy Department’s regulatory direction for the next four years.

• “Under the leadership of President Trump, Federal agencies continue to slash unnecessary red tape and regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people,” the statement said.