The U.S. Department of Energy has announced proposals to roll back numerous rules, including those that enhance the energy efficiency of appliances. This move has prompted a response from Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
Wimmer stated, “Today’s announcement just doesn’t make sense for families across America. Rolling back energy efficiency rules would increase air pollution and increase utility costs. This is bad news for people’s health.”
He emphasized the benefits of current energy efficiency standards, noting they ensure home appliances consume less energy and produce less pollution. The proposed rollback affects various home appliances such as washing machines, battery chargers, microwaves, and portable air conditioners. According to Wimmer, weakening these standards could reverse progress in reducing air pollution, improving public health, lowering energy costs, and cutting carbon emissions.
Wimmer also highlighted that existing energy efficiency standards remain in place and cannot be undone by this announcement alone. He assured that “the Lung Association will use every tool in our toolbox to defend these standards and protect the health of families.”
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of maintaining strong standards to achieve clean air: “Clean air doesn’t just happen by default. To cut dangerous pollution from the air we breathe, it takes work. It takes strong standards. It takes implementation and enforcement, not rollbacks.”
