What is the Energy Star program?

The Energy Star program is a government-run initiative that awards the iconic blue Energy Star label to the most energy-efficient appliances and products, helping consumers save money on their energy bills.

Why is the Energy Star program's future in jeopardy?

The current EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, has questioned the program's economic benefits, and conservative groups are pushing for its privatization or termination. The Trump administration is considering these options, which has raised concerns among supporters of the program.

How has the Energy Star program impacted American consumers?

The Energy Star program has saved American consumers and businesses an estimated $500 billion in energy costs since it was established in 1992, according to the EPA's own calculations.

Home / Environment / Energy Star Program's Fate Uncertain as Privatization Looms

Energy Star Program's Fate Uncertain as Privatization Looms

15 Aug

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Summary

Energy Star program saved Americans over $500 billion since 1992
EPA administrator questions program's economic benefits
Calls to privatize or eliminate Energy Star from conservative groups

Energy Star Program's Fate Uncertain as Privatization Looms

As of August 15, 2025, the future of the federal government's Energy Star program remains uncertain. The program, which has been co-managed by the EPA and the Department of Energy since its inception in 1992, has been a significant success, saving American consumers and businesses an estimated $500 billion in energy costs over the past three decades.

However, the current EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, has expressed doubts about the program's economic benefits, questioning the agency's own calculations during a congressional hearing in May 2025. Zeldin stated that he anticipates the EPA is "taking credit for a heck of a lot more than they should" when it comes to the program's savings.

The push to privatize or eliminate Energy Star has come primarily from libertarian and conservative groups, such as the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. These organizations argue that the program's functions could be better served by the private sector, with the Heritage Foundation's Diana Furchtgott-Roth stating that "if the federal government didn't provide it, there would be a gap in the market, and other companies would come and offer that service."

The EPA has acknowledged that it has been in discussions with "multiple entities" interested in taking over the Energy Star program, but the agency has not revealed the identities of these potential private partners. The prospect of privatization has raised concerns among some, who worry that it could create additional barriers for small manufacturers, community-based builders, and public sector organizations that rely on the program.

As of mid-August 2025, the future of the Energy Star program remains uncertain, with the Senate Appropriations Committee having voted to restore funding for the EPA's portion of the program. However, the final decision will be made in the coming months by the rest of Congress, who will determine whether the program continues to be funded or if the White House's efforts to terminate it will prevail.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.