Trump Administration Announces Plans to Cut Water & Energy Efficiency Standards

After proposing changes in April to weaken federal showerhead efficiency standards, the Trump Administration is now pursuing even broader rollbacks. Media reports indicate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering eliminating the successful, voluntary ENERGY STAR® program, which identifies appliances and products with superior water and energy efficiency.

On May 9, President Trump issued a directive that would be even more extreme, calling for the weakening or elimination of federal efficiency standards for toilets, urinals, faucets, clothes washers, dishwashers, and pre-rinse spray valves. The directive also raises concerns about preempting state authority to set stronger standards, which 17 states and the District of Columbia currently exercise.

What's At Stake
If these directives move forward and the marketplace follows, households and businesses could face higher water and energy bills. This is especially concerning as the costs of water have already outpaced inflation over the past decade. Many communities may struggle to meet water demand, achieve conservation goals, or secure alternative supplies. Wastewater treatment systems could also face added strain, requiring more capacity and resources.

Our Response
Since the start of the new administration, Alliance for Water Efficiency has been actively responding as part of a national coalition working to defend ENERGY STAR and federal efficiency standards. Together, the coalition organized a powerful letter of support for ENERGY STAR, signed by more than 1,100 companies and organizations, including appliance and plumbing manufacturers. We are engaging directly with Congress, which has the power to preserve the program through continued funding, as it did in 2018 when a similar attempt to eliminate ENERGY STAR was made.

AWE believes that revoking or weakening these federal standards is unlawful, and we are exploring legal options to block these proposed changes. We will continue to keep our members updated as this situation evolves. Thank you for your ongoing support in protecting critical, cost-saving water and energy efficiency programs.