The Donald Trump administration is planning to terminate the Energy Star program, which certifies energy-efficient home appliances.
Launched in 1992, it has helped American businesses and families save more than $500 billion in energy costs and reduce emissions.
What Happened: At an internal meeting at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday, officials said that the agency's Office of Atmospheric Protection would be shut down and the Energy Star program cancelled.
Although a confirmation of the shutdown was not issued directly, a spokesperson told CNN that these moves will "better advance the agency's core mission while Powering the Great American Comeback."
Why It Matters: The program has bipartisan appeal in Congress, but has been embroiled in political debates over environmental regulation of late.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order lifting restrictions on water pressure in showerheads. The termination of the Energy Star program, along with the overturning of other Biden-era climate policies by the EPA, has raised alarms.
Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit coalition Alliance to Save Energy, also pointed out the impact on household spending. "For just $32 million a year, Energy Star helps American families save over $40 billion in annual energy costs. That's a return of $350 for every federal dollar invested", she told CNN.
The latest move follows a long line of policy shifts that are likely to have major impacts on how the US tackles climate change, such as withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and proposals to curb spending on clean energy projects.
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