The Department of Energy is withdrawing four efficiency rules, angering environmentalists who said the move raises legal questions and could spike emissions.
In a statement, DOE said it was pulling standards for electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and external power supplies. It also reiterated it is further delaying codification of final regulations for gas water heaters and walk-in coolers and freezers.
“We are returning freedom of choice to the American people, ensuring consumers can choose the home appliances that work best for their lives and budgets. This power should not belong to the federal government,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.
Both Wright and President Donald Trump have vowed to target DOE’s efficiency standards program, which oversees one of the department’s chief regulatory functions. In his first secretarial order laying out DOE priorities in February, Wright said the program was under review. Trump, who has said efficient appliances make him look orange and don’t wash his hair properly, also slammed DOE rules in a Jan. 20 order, saying it was U.S. policy to create more consumer freedom for appliances like dishwashers and gas stoves.
