DOE withdraws, postpones multiple appliance energy efficiency rules
7 days ago
- #deregulation
- #energy-policy
- #efficiency-standards
- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) withdrew four appliance efficiency standards and postponed three others, continuing efforts to dismantle efficiency programs.
- Withdrawn standards include those for electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies.
- DOE postponed rules for central air conditioners, heat pumps, walk-in coolers/freezers, and gas instantaneous water heaters.
- The Trump administration favors deregulation, while the Biden administration had strengthened efficiency standards to save costs and reduce emissions.
- The withdrawn electric motor rule was projected to save businesses $56 billion and cut CO2 emissions by 156 million metric tons over 30 years.
- DOE’s actions face opposition from efficiency advocates but are supported by industry groups seeking regulatory relief.
- Congress is considering resolutions to overturn DOE efficiency rules for commercial refrigeration equipment.
- Biden-era efficiency standards were estimated to save consumers $1 trillion and reduce emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons over 30 years.