Trump Administration Plans to End Energy Star Program
The Trump administration plans to axe the Energy Star program, which has saved Americans over $500 billion since its launch, according to sources.
What Is Energy Star?
If you’re a U.S. homeowner or tenant, you’ve likely seen the blue Energy Star label on appliances.
Most people overlook it, but this small label has been saving you money for decades.
Formed in 1992, Energy Star helps buyers spot energy-efficient products. Today, the program reportedly saves Americans about $40 billion every year.
That breaks down to $1,176 saved per person annually, based on the U.S. population of 340 million.
Where Do These Numbers Come From?
A 2023 federal report provided the $500 billion lifetime savings figure.
Meanwhile, Ben Evans, the federal legislative director at the U.S. Green Building Council, backed the $40 billion annual figure.
“Energy Star saves consumers and businesses more than $40 billion each year by providing clear info on product and building efficiency,” Evans told The Washington Post.
“And it does that at a cost of just $32 million. So it’s an incredible bang for the buck.”
What’s Behind the Shutdown?
Despite these savings, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportedly plans to shut down Energy Star.
According to three anonymous sources speaking to The Washington Post, EPA officials informed staff at the Office of Atmospheric Protection about the closure in a company-wide meeting.
What Will Americans Lose?
Energy Star brought in several money-saving standards, including a $2,500 federal tax credit for construction workers building energy-efficient homes.
It’s still unclear what will happen to these tax credits, as well as similar credits for homeowners making energy upgrades.
The Bigger Environmental Impact
Beyond financial savings, Energy Star has had a major environmental role.
The 2023 report claims the program has prevented about four billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.
That’s roughly equal to removing 933 million gas-powered cars from U.S. roads each year.
Critics React
Evans called the reported shutdown “incredibly shortsighted.”
He argued that ending Energy Star would undermine efforts—including Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative—to save taxpayers money.
