The iconic energy efficiency label, found on millions of appliances and buildings, could disappear in the U.S. due to a decision by Donald Trump’s administration. The impact would affect both households’ budgets and efforts against climate change.
The Energy Star program, regarded for over three decades as the gold standard in energy efficiency in the United States and a global benchmark, is now under scrutiny from Trump’s new administration. According to internal sources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the government has advanced plans to shut down the program and dismantle the divisions that manage it.
This move, framed as part of an “overhaul” of the EPA, has provoked a strong backlash from experts, politicians, businesses, and environmental organizations, warning of devastating consequences for energy savings among American families and for the fight against polluting emissions.
An iconic program born under a Republican president
Energy Star was created in 1992 by the Bush Administration as a public-private collaboration aimed at promoting the use of efficient technologies and helping consumers identify products that use less energy. The program awards its blue label to appliances, lighting, electronic devices, buildings, and more.
In its more than 30 years of history, it has enabled savings of over 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and more than 500 billion dollars in energy costs, according to data from the EPA itself. Additionally, it has prevented the emission of about 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases.
And all this with minimal public investment: for every federal dollar spent, there have been 350 dollars generated in savings for businesses and consumers.
The official argument: “reorganization” and “government efficiency”
Molly Vaseliou, the acting associate administrator of the EPA, justified the elimination as part of a restructuring aimed at “improving air, water, and land quality for all Americans.” This decision also includes the closing of the Office of Air Quality and Transportation and the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, which manage Energy Star.
“Eliminating Energy Star specifications will make Americans safer,” Vaseliou claimed, without providing further technical details.
Criticism came quickly
For Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the decision is “absurd” and harmful to households:
“Without access to clear information on efficiency, consumers won’t be able to compare products or choose the best options for their budget. The result: higher bills and more emissions.”
The president of the Alliance to Save Energy, Paula Glover, was also direct:
“Eliminating Energy Star directly contradicts this administration’s promise to reduce energy costs for families. For just 32 million dollars a year, the program saves over 40 billion annually. It’s one of the best returns on investment in the federal government.”
Broad bipartisan and business support
The decision has surprised even within the Republican Party itself. Senator Susan Collins (Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed her “dismay”:
“My constituents appreciate knowing how much energy an appliance uses before they buy it. It’s common sense.”
More than 1,000 businesses, manufacturers, distributors, and organizations have signed letters urging the government to maintain the program. Energy Star has a 90% recognition rate among U.S. households and is considered by many as a crucial tool in purchasing decisions.
Environmental and economic impact at stake
Beyond household consumption, Energy Star is also linked to tax incentives and state and federal rebate programs. Its elimination would be a setback for various public policies aimed at reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry.
Moreover, according to internal sources, the measure is part of a broader plan to dismantle other divisions of the EPA related to greenhouse gas regulation and methane reduction programs, which could further weaken the agency’s regulatory capacity in the face of climate change.
A worrying precedent
During his first term, Trump already proposed privatizing or eliminating Energy Star, although he did not proceed with it. Now, with a renewed majority and a more aggressive agenda against environmental regulations, closure seems imminent.
The impact could be felt in just a few months if there is no legislative reaction to prevent it. For now, the EPA remains silent on when new certifications would cease to be issued.
The Energy Star label, found in millions of homes and buildings, represents not only efficiency but also trust and savings. Its disappearance could lead to an incalculable economic and environmental cost for the United States, especially when the world most needs to advance toward a more sustainable energy model.