Trump administration delays implementation of Biden-era appliance efficiency rules

The Trump administration is moving to delay the implementation of Biden-administration rules that require household appliances to be more efficient — carrying on a frequent rallying cry for President Trump.

The Energy Department on Friday afternoon announced that it would “postpone” Biden’s efficiency rules for lightbulbs, clothes washers and dryers, air conditioners, air compressors and gas-powered water heaters.

In addition, it said it would postpone efficiency requirements for commercial refrigeration.

The Biden administration argued that its efforts to make appliances more efficient were a win-win, saving consumers money on their energy bills while also reducing planet-warming emissions. However, Republicans, especially President Trump, have said that the requirements are an attack on consumer choice. 

While on the campaign trail, Trump frequently railed against the efficiency requirements for various appliances.

A press release from the Energy Department announcing the postponement did not specify the legal authority for doing so and also did not say how long the postponement would last.

However, finalized regulations cannot be undone with the stroke of a pen. In fact, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which allows the department to regulate appliances, has an “anti-backsliding” provision which prevents the loosening of efficiency requirements.

The last Trump administration did seek to loosen some requirements, however, by arguing that some specific products are actually different items altogether and therefore are subject to different regulations. 

In at least one case, it appears to be doing so again. It said in the press release that it planned to create a new product category for natural gas tankless water heaters, which “exempts these products from the Biden-Harris Administration’s onerous rules.”

“A top priority for President Trump is lowering costs for American families,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a written statement. 

“Today’s announcement will foster consumer choice and lower prices — it is a win for all Americans. The people, not the government, should be choosing the home appliances and products they want at prices they can afford,” he added.