White House plans to shut down program

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to shut down the Energy Star program, which has saved Americans over \$500 billion since its inception in 1992. The program, known for its blue label on energy-efficient appliances, currently saves around \$40 billion annually by helping consumers choose cost-effective products. Despite costing only \$32 million to run, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may end the initiative, according to sources. Critics, including Ben Evans from the US Green Building Council, have called this move “incredibly shortsighted,” noting it contradicts the government’s efficiency goals.

Energy Star has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, preventing around four billion metric tons from entering the atmosphere, which is comparable to removing 933 million gas-powered cars from the roads each year. It has also enabled construction workers to claim tax credits for building energy-efficient homes, though it is unclear what will happen to these incentives if the program is discontinued. The potential closure has sparked backlash, as many argue it would undermine ongoing efforts to save taxpayer money and protect the environment.