EPA, DOE Announce Strengthening of ENERGY STAR

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted ENERGY STAR^® program. This action comes at a critical time for American consumers, many of whom struggle to keep up with their monthly energy bills. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of ENERGY STAR qualified products. This week, DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25% of a household’s energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the ENERGY STAR label. The steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances to save families money.

“Energy efficiency is more important than ever to American families,” Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation said. “As our economy gets back on its feet, ENERGY STAR is an easy way for consumers to save money and help fight climate change.”

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=309