- News. New rule on retirement age comes into force in May 2025: what you need to know
- News. How soon can defaulted student loan borrowers be subject to garnishment? Department of Education clarifies
The Trump istration is set to eliminate the Energy Star program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a move that would affect millions of American households and businesses that rely on such assistance for energy efficiency guidance and tax benefits, Newsweek.com reported.
The Washington Post reported on the cuts last Tuesday, in which some officials in President Donald Trump's istration announced during a meeting Monday at the EPA's Office of Atmospheric Protection that the office would be disbanded and the Energy Star program would be suspended.
Energy Star, known for its blue label and yellow EnergyGuide sticker found on appliances and homes, certifies products and buildings that meet certain energy efficiency standards.
Who will be most affected if the energy efficiency program is shut down?
Since its inception in 1992, the program has helped consumers save energy and money on utility bills.
Initially launched by the EPA, the Energy Star program identifies and promotes energy-efficient products and practices.
Products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, buildings and entire homes can receive the Energy Star label when they meet energy efficiency standards.
According to the Department of Energy, in 2010, Americans saved nearly $18 billion on utility bills thanks to the program.
Energy Star creates guidelines, and from there, manufacturers voluntarily submit their products for certification and obtain the Energy Star label.
Products must meet the energy performance guidelines set by the EPA, and third-party certification is required to ensure the credibility of the label.
In addition to saving on energy bills, the Energy Star program ties directly into federal tax credits, which many homeowners use to offset the costs of upgrading their equipment to energy-efficient equipment.
Currently, until 2032, homeowners can access federal income tax credits that allow up to $3,200 annually to reduce the cost of energy improvements in their homes by up to 30%, according to Energy Star's tax credit page.