1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

The Trump administration's plan to eliminate the Energy Star program could significantly increase utility bills for American families. Energy Star has been an extremely successful voluntary initiative, saving consumers an estimated $500 billion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons since its inception in 1992. By providing clear efficiency standards, Energy Star allows households to easily identify and purchase energy-efficient appliances that can save around $450 annually on utility costs. Eliminating these specifications will make it challenging for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions that minimize their energy expenses. Concerns have also been raised that ending Energy Star will undermine numerous state, utility, and federal energy efficiency programs. For the financial well-being of American families and our nation's environmental goals, the Energy Star program should be preserved.