Trump administration prepares to eliminate Energy Star program

In May 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to eliminate key divisions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focused on climate change and energy efficiency, specifically targeting the Energy Star program. This reorganization decision highlights the administration's ongoing efforts to cut costs in federal programs, as officials stated the changes would save American taxpayers approximately $300 million annually. The Energy Star program, which has been in operation since 1992, is well recognized for its role in promoting energy-efficient appliances, effectively saving families and businesses around $500 billion in energy costs over the years. The decision to eliminate the Energy Star program comes amid growing critiques of energy-efficient appliances by President Donald Trump and several in his administration. The program has received bipartisan support from various groups advocating for energy conservation, highlighting its significant cost-saving benefits for American households. It was noted that the program's operational costs amount to about $32 million per year but produce savings of around $40 billion annually on utility bills, emphasizing its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The closure of the Energy Star program will likely have far-reaching consequences, including the potential loss of official government standards that guide consumer choices in energy efficiency. It represents a shift in regulatory priorities under the ability of federal bodies to manage pollution, including the emissions that contribute to global warming. Critics argue that dismantling the Energy Star program directly contradicts the administration's stated commitment to reducing household energy costs, as many consumers associate the Energy Star label with long-term financial savings and environmental stewardship. The announcement during a staff meeting at the EPA signifies a broader trend of deregulation within the agency, particularly impacting climate change policies and partnerships aimed at addressing severe environmental issues. As these changes unfold, there are concerns about the long-term impacts on energy efficiency, consumer protection, and environmental accountability moving forward. The move has triggered calls from various stakeholders for a reconsideration and preservation of the Energy Star program, which is seen as crucial for energy conservation and consumer guidance in the current fluctuating energy market.