The Trump administration is shifting the oversight of Energy Star from EPA to the Department of Energy, after eyeing elimination of the program known for efficiency labels on dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances.
The move is a significant change for Energy Star, which EPA has overseen as the lead agency for more than three decades. In a memorandum of understanding, DOE and EPA agreed to develop a “transition plan” for the program within 90 days.
Congress provided $33 million to EPA for Energy Star in its January minibus, despite the Trump administration targeting the program for closure last year.
It was not immediately clear how the change would affect program funding or operations. DOE traditionally has spent less than $2 million annually on the program.
