Trump admin plans to shutter money-saving Energy Star program

Tech Crunch - May 7th, 2025

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to dismantle the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, a move that could significantly impact consumer savings on energy costs. Energy Star, a $32 million public-private initiative, certifies energy-efficient products and offers consumers rebates, helping save an estimated $40 billion annually in energy costs. Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, argues that eliminating the program contradicts the administration’s pledges to reduce household energy expenses, highlighting the program’s impressive 350-to-one return on investment.

Energy Star was established in 1992 under President George H. W. Bush and reauthorized in 2005, placing it under the oversight of the EPA and the Department of Energy. The program's distinctive yellow labels on appliances and electronics guide consumers on potential energy expenses, saving the average household about $450 annually. The potential dismantling of Energy Star raises concerns about increased energy costs for consumers and the broader implications for energy efficiency efforts in the U.S., undermining decades of progress in promoting sustainable energy use.

Trump Administration U.S. Energy Policy Epa Energy Efficiency Energy Star Paula Glover Alliance To Save Energy Consumer Savings

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential elimination of the Energy Star program and its implications for consumers. It presents accurate information about the program's history and impact, although some claims require further verification. The article is timely and addresses a topic of significant public interest, with the potential to influence public opinion and policy discussions. However, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and additional source attribution to enhance its credibility. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, making it an effective piece for informing readers about this important issue.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims about the Energy Star program, such as its budget of $32 million and its creation under President George H. W. Bush. These claims are generally accurate and can be corroborated by official sources like the EPA. However, the claim that the program saves consumers $40 billion annually and delivers a 350-to-one return on investment requires further verification and support from detailed reports or studies. The statement about the Trump administration's intent to wind down the program also needs confirmation from official communications or policy documents.

Balance

The article presents a viewpoint that is critical of the Trump administration's plans to wind down the Energy Star program, primarily through the quote from Paula Glover. While this perspective is valid, the article could benefit from including viewpoints from the administration or other stakeholders who might support the decision. This would provide a more balanced view and help readers understand the rationale behind the proposed changes.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the key points about the Energy Star program and the potential impact of its elimination. The language is neutral and accessible, making the information easy to understand. However, the article could benefit from a more detailed explanation of the program's operations and its significance to consumers.

Source quality

The article cites a report from CNN and includes a quote from Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. These sources are credible, but the article would be strengthened by additional sources, such as official statements from the EPA or the Trump administration. This would enhance the reliability of the claims and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the Energy Star program, its history, and its impact. However, there is a lack of transparency regarding the methodology used to calculate the claimed savings and return on investment. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest from the sources cited, which could affect the impartiality of the information presented.

Sources

https://www.eenews.net/articles/trump-plans-to-kill-epa-energy-star-for-appliances/