EPA Plans to Shut Down the Energy Star Program

Re:EPA Plans to Shut Down the Energy Star Program by waynesonfire on Wednesday May 07, 2025 @04:10AM (#43913282)

Companies arn't going to spend money to implement modes that save electricity unless they have to. The motivation can come about as a result of market competition or governance. Sometimes you need governance because of market dynamics, e.g. monopolies.

A better fix would be to expand the scope of Energy Star. I'm sure you'll still be able to find a suitable door bell just as easily as you discovered the quick wash button on your dish washer.

And, to take your argument to absurdity, we'd still have lead paint and no nutrition labels.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:EPA Plans to Shut Down the Energy Star Program by ethbr1 on Wednesday May 07, 2025 @07:55AM (#43914528)

Another reason the market won't fix energy consumption on its own: externalized costs (onto the consumer's power bill).

What is one of the most market-effective US regulations?

Requiring a standardized EnergyGuide appliance label for average yearly energy costs. (Aka the yellow label https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/whats-di... )

What did companies do before that? Installed the cheapest, least-efficient parts, put marketing copy on their boxes about how they were high efficiency, and then passed the costs onto unknowing consumers.

[ Parent | on HN ]