The Energy Department issued a notice that would try to reverse Trump-era changes, which exempted some appliances from energy and water conservation standards by creating a separate class of products.
The previous Administration’s DOE created separate product classes for dishwashers, washers and dryers that have a short cycle as the “normal” cycle. This meant such models would not need to meet decades-old energy and water standards.
The DOE under President Joe Biden is proposing changes to efficiency rules that would save consumers money on energy costs, despite the warnings from manufacturers about the potential for higher appliance prices.
Biden administration said they didn’t find any residential dishwashers that offer such short cycles (60 minutes or less) from washing through drying. It also said that it didn’t find any small businesses that make residential clothing washers or dryers, so its action wouldn’t harm small companies.
Appliance manufacturers tended to favor the changes, as they allowed for product testing flexibility and more pathways to challenge standards. Efficiency advocates say the Trump changes allowed manufacturers to avoid government oversight, while manufacturers argue it addresses situations where there will not be effective energy consumption tests.
This is a good proposal because it will ensure consumers don’t unknowingly end up with energy-wasting products.
