Congressional appropriators are rising to the defense of the embattled Energy Star program and a similar initiative aimed at conserving water in a newly released EPA funding bill.
The measure, which represents a deal between members of the House and Senate appropriations committees that still needs full congressional approval, would set aside about $33 million this fiscal year for Energy Star, the energy efficiency rating program for appliances that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has voiced interest in privatizing.
That sum is slightly less than the $36 million allotted last year. The threat to Energy Star spurred opposition from a broad swath of advocacy groups in both the business and environmental communities. Despite surviving an EPA reorganization late last year, its long-term future remains shaky.
“No final decision has been made at this time,” said EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch in an emailed response to questions Tuesday about the program’s status. “As the Administrator has consistently stated, he will follow the law as enacted by Congress, and EPA will follow all statutory requirements.”
