Energy Star Program Receives Bipartisan Boost, Reversing Trump-Era Cuts
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The government’s Energy Star program, a widely recognized symbol of energy efficiency, has secured a vital lifeline through recently enacted bipartisan legislation. After facing potential elimination under the previous administration, the program will receive dedicated funding, reversing a decade-long trend of budget reductions adn ensuring its continued operation.
The move represents a rare policy reversal for the trump administration, which initially proposed zeroing out funding for Energy Star. However,strong opposition from a diverse coalition – including industries with close ties to the former president,such as real estate and construction – ultimately swayed the outcome. Over 1,000 manufacturers,home builders,advocacy groups,and local governments signed a letter last April urging the administration to maintain the program.
“What it shows very clearly is that Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, strongly support Energy star and want to see it continued,” stated Ben Evans, federal legislative director at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Legacy of Savings and Recognition
established in 1992, the Energy Star program has become a household name, with nearly 90% of Americans recognizing its distinctive blue and white logo. The EPA estimates that the program has saved Americans over $500 billion in energy costs.
However, the validity of these savings claims was recently questioned by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin during a congressional hearing last May. “I would happily and eagerly find out from inside of the agency how they had previously calculated that figure,as I anticipate that they’re taking credit for a heck of a lot more than they should,” Zeldin told lawmakers. While Zeldin expressed skepticism, the EPA’s staff provided five pages of technical notes supporting the savings calculations, which remain publicly available on the agency’s website.
Calls to end or privatize Energy Star have largely come from conservative and libertarian groups,such as the competitive Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. Diana Feargott Roth,director of the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Energy,Climate,and Habitat,argued that “We see consumer ratings for a very broad variety of things… I don’t see why appliances should be any different,” suggesting that the private sector could readily fill the void if the government were to discontinue the program.
Zeldin also voiced support for privatization, noting that the agency was already in discussions with potential private sector partners. However, even proponents of privatization acknowledge that Congressional stipulations requiring the use of allocated funds within the government make a transfer unlikely. Evans noted that Energy Star already outsources efficiency testing to the private sector, and further contracting is possible, but ultimate management will remain with the EPA.
looking Ahead: Staffing Remains a Key Concern
The budget package securing Energy Star funding passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House (397-28) and the Senate (82-15). While key Republicans involved in preserving the program have been hesitant to comment publicly, the Building Owners and Managers Association credited Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and Maine Sen. Susan Collins for their leadership.
For advocates, the immediate concern is ensuring the EPA can effectively operate the program with its current resources. “The Energy star program is not fully out of the woods yet,” cautioned jeremy Symons, senior adviser at Environmental Protection Network, a group of former EPA employees. “It’s one thing to keep the Energy Star program alive and fully funded, but what we really need is for the program to be fully staffed.”
The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce EPA staffing to levels not seen since the Reagan era have left Energy Star with fewer employees, including losses in leadership positions. The EPA has not disclosed the current staffing levels or future plans for the program. In a statement, EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch affirmed that “EPA is reviewing the Energy Star program to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars and full compliance with statutory requirements,” and that the Administrator “will follow the law as enacted by Congress.”
Given the broad bipartisan support demonstrated in Congress, advocates are optimistic about the program’s future. “This is likely the minimum level of funding we’ll have – give or take a little bit – moving forward and we should start planning around that to build the best program we can within this budget,” evans concluded.
