Obama Orders Tough Energy-Efficiency Standards For Home Appliances

February 6, 2009

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President Obama has ordered the Department of Energy to set tough new energy-efficiency standards for home appliances, USA Today reports.

Standards for appliances ranging from dishwashers to lamps and air conditioners will be tightened. The Energy department must release new or updated standards for 30 product categories by 2011.

Over 30 years, the standards are expected to save Americans $500 billion in electric bills. Overall, depending on the appliance, efficiency will be boosted 5 percent to 40 percent, said Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project.

Apart from seeking energy efficiencies, Obama’s administration is also trying to pass the stimulus bill as currently written. However, Senate Democratic leaders do not have the votes and will need to cut certain provisions.

John Engler, CEO of National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), recently sent a letter to Senate leadership identifying top priorities for effective economic stimulus.

Among Engler’s suggestions, he recommends energy efficiency upgrades and transmission grid modernization, which can reduce energy costs and increase supply.

The NAM supports investment strategy to achieve energy efficiency, but opposes mandates that lock in higher energy costs for manufacturers.

For the full text on Shopfloor, click here.

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Reader Comments

This is a move in the right direction. If people were to buy energy efficient appliances, there is no telling how much of an impact that would have on our environment for the good. I hope that this move is successful!

Appliance Repair Guru | February 26th, 2009

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