Tell Congress to Save the Energy Star Program!
Posted on March 23, 2017 by Amelia Lamb
Tags, Energy
Energy Star is under fire, and we need your help to save it! Established in 1992 and overseen by the EPA, the Energy Star program empowers consumers to save energy through a rating system for home appliances. The program issues a series of efficiency standards to manufacturers, encouraging them to voluntarily produce versions of their products that meet those standards. Energy Star certified appliances get a sticker that lets customers know they will save energy in the home. This results in reduced energy costs, better competition, more jobs in the manufacturing sector, and cleaner air.
CUB has said for years that energy efficiency is the best investment around, because the cheapest energy dollar is the one you don’t have to spend in the first place. This means the Energy Star labeling system provides immense value for customers. The EPA estimates that Energy Star saves millions of dollars in energy costs every year (for a total of $430 billion since the inception of the program).
CUB also believes that generally speaking, any added information customers can receive before making spending decisions is a good thing. Nonpartisan, informed analysis, conducted by experts, is a great way to accomplish this goal. After all, that is the model that has allowed CUB to provide so much value for Oregon’s utility customers for over three decades.
We are VERY concerned that the Trump administration has proposed to cut the program as part of a plan to slash the EPA budget, and new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has given no indication that he is committed to keeping the Energy Star program running. So, we’re asking you to send Congress the message that Oregonians value energy efficiency and consumer choice, and that we want the Energy Star program left intact.
We’re directing emails to Senator Wyden, and asking him to share signatures with Oregon’s full Congressional Delegation. Please go to the CUB Action Alert Center and send an email to Senator Wyden. Make your voice count!
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03/23/17 | 0 Comments | Tell Congress to Save the Energy Star Program!