Department of Energy Takes Control of Energy Star Efficiency Program
Key Highlights
- The management of Energy Star is transitioning from EPA to DOE, impacting oversight and program administration.
- Industry groups support the move, citing better alignment with appliance efficiency standards, while environmental groups warn of potential uncertainties.
- Recent legislation secured $33 million in funding, stabilizing the program despite staffing reductions that have slowed new product certifications.
WASHINGTON — Recent federal shifts and funding developments are reshaping Energy Star, the well-known energy-efficiency program launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. Energy Star has saved Americans an estimated $500 billion in energy costs and remains supported by manufacturers, builders, and local governments.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have signed a memorandum of agreement transferring primary management of the voluntary ENERGY STAR program to DOE. The agreement establishes DOE as the lead federal agency while coordinating with EPA and other agencies, with a transition plan to be developed within 90 days. Responsibilities shifting to DOE include oversight of partnership agreements, program trademarks, and supporting IT systems and databases. The transition could influence how energy-efficiency standards and certification programs for products and buildings are administered over the next decade.
As reported by Politico’s Energywire, industry groups such as the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers support the move, arguing it aligns the voluntary program with DOE’s expertise in managing federal appliance efficiency standards. However, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) warned the change could introduce uncertainty around future funding and scope, issues HVACR manufacturers and contractors will likely monitor closely.
In January, Energy Star received bipartisan support through signed legislation providing $33 million in funding after the Trump administration proposed eliminating it last year, NPR reported. Advocates say the new funding stabilizes the program but note that staffing reductions have slowed certification of new energy-efficient products.
For HVACR professionals, these developments emphasize the ongoing importance of energy-efficient equipment, verified performance, and incentives in daily operations and business planning.
Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.