Slashing Energy Star Is a Costly Mistake: Americans Pay More While Polluters Profit

Energy Star saves Americans $40 billion a year—and now it’s on the chopping block. Despite costing less than 1% of the EPA’s budget, the program delivers a staggering $1,250 in savings for every dollar invested, making it one of the most efficient government programs ever created. Since 1992, it has slashed over 4 billion metric tons of emissions—equivalent to taking nearly a billion cars off the road—while helping families buy smarter, cleaner appliances. In cities like Chicago, that translates to over $116 million saved annually. But Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal would gut Energy Star, a move that benefits no one but polluters. If eliminated, consumers will pay more, breathe dirtier air, and lose access to trusted, energy-saving choices. We can’t afford this rollback.