President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Energy to stop enforcing and begin rescinding appliance efficiency regulations implemented during previous administrations.
The rules, which limit water and energy use in items like dishwashers, faucets, and washing machines, were criticized as burdensome and ineffective. Trump called them part of a “radical green agenda” that raised costs and reduced appliance performance.
The order seeks to roll back standards under the Energy Star program and revert to minimum statutory requirements.
Critics argue that while these efforts reduce regulations, they may increase energy usage and utility costs, especially if reversed by a future administration.
