Energy Star Program Survives Trump Administration's Cuts

But concerns remain over the future of other energy efficiency efforts under the new administration.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Energy Star program, which helps guide consumers to more energy-efficient appliances and electronics, has survived the Trump administration's plans to cut it. However, the administration has targeted other energy efficiency programs, and experts are concerned about how the Energy Star program will be administered under a shrunken Environmental Protection Agency.

Why it matters

Energy efficiency programs like Energy Star play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving consumers money on their energy bills. The Trump administration's efforts to roll back these programs could have significant environmental and economic impacts.

The details

The Energy Star program is a voluntary, EPA-run initiative that informs consumers about the energy efficiency of home appliances and electronics. While the program received sufficient support in Congress to be included in the latest budget legislation, the Department of Energy has proposed rolling back or weakening 17 other minimum efficiency standards for energy and water conservation. Experts warn that repealing these standards would simply increase costs for consumers without providing any benefits.

  • In May 2025, the EPA drafted plans to eliminate the Energy Star program as part of a broader agency reorganization.
  • In February 2026, President Donald Trump signed budget legislation that included funding for the Energy Star program.

The players

Energy Star

A voluntary, EPA-run program that informs consumers about the energy efficiency of home appliances and electronics.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has regularly targeted energy efficiency standards and regulations.

Lee Zeldin

The current Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Andrew deLaski

The executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, an organization that advocates for energy efficiency standards.

Amanda Smith

A senior scientist at the climate research organization Project Drawdown.

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What they’re saying

“These are standards that are quietly saving people money on their utility bills year after year in a way that most consumers never notice. The striking thing is that consumers have a huge array of choices in appliances in the market today. Repealing these standards would simply increase cost. It just doesn't make sense.”

— Andrew deLaski, Executive Director, Appliance Standards Awareness Project (wjtv.com)

“The problem for U.S. manufacturers is that overseas competitors making inefficient products elsewhere could now flood the U.S. market, and that would undercut American manufacturers.”

— Andrew deLaski, Executive Director, Appliance Standards Awareness Project (wjtv.com)

“The uncertainty may have had a bigger effect on EPA's ability to administer the program. We're wondering how staffing cuts may affect EPA's work.”

— Amanda Smith, Senior Scientist, Project Drawdown (wjtv.com)

What’s next

The Department of Energy is expected to continue its efforts to roll back or weaken other energy efficiency standards, which could face opposition in Congress.

The takeaway

While the Energy Star program has survived the Trump administration's attempts to cut it, the future of other energy efficiency efforts remains uncertain. Consumers and manufacturers alike will be closely watching how the administration handles these critical programs that save money and reduce emissions.