The Trump administration wants to privatize the popular Energy Star program, which sets government standards for energy-efficient appliances, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed Tuesday.
“This program is an example of one that can be run outside of government,” Zeldin told House members during a budget hearing. “I’ve actually had multiple entities reach out to EPA over the course of the last few weeks, because they want to take over Energy Star.”
Reports in early May that the EPA was considering plans to stop running Energy Star immediately drew sharp pushback from home appliance manufacturers, like those that make water heaters, boilers, and HVAC systems.