According to media in USA, their governmental Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to cancel the EN-ERGY STAR program. This program is known for its iconic blue labels that have certified energy-efficient home appliances for over 30 years.
This is apparently part of a plan to eliminate two key EPA divisions focused on climate change and energy efficiency, both of which are within the agency’s Office of Air and Radiation. The moves will impact several climate programs including the greenhouse gas reporting program.
The ENERGY STAR program is a public-private partnership certifying energy efficient appliances in order to help
consumers finding products and tax credits to bring down the cost of energy efficient appliances like air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigerators and washing machines.
Manufacturers participate in the program voluntarily, and products must meet strict energy performance standards established by the EPA. Independent testing and certification by independent bodies as Nemko shall ensure the integrity and credibility of the label.
Trade industry groups and appliance companies are urging EPA not to end the ENERGY STAR program. Critics of the plan claim that ending of this program would directly contradict the present government’s promise to reduce household energy costs as well as increasing features, functionality and performance.
Furthermore, during May, the DOE announced the first step in what they describe as the Energy Department’s largest deregulatory effort in history, proposing the elimination or reduction of 47 regulations. The stated objective is prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection as well as cost saving and productivity enhancement.
The 47 regulations include amongst other various electrical appliances, and the plan is declared to the WTO for international notification and hearing as can be seen from the links of the three examples below:
-Battery charger
-External power supply
-Conventional cooking tops
For further information, please contact Kenny.Ho@nemko.com or Stuart.Beck@nemko.com
(This article is based on the information provided by Stuart Beck and Kenny Ho and edited by T.Sollie)