The Department of Energy has proposed new efficiency standards for common household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, aiming to “significantly reduce pollution.”
In January, the United States Consumer Product Safety Agency called gas stoves a “hidden hazard” and recommended banning the product from American households. The push for more energy-efficient appliances comes as the White House and Executive Agencies work to reduce carbon emissions.
“With today’s proposals, we’re building on a decades-long effort with industry to ensure tomorrow’s appliances work more efficiently and save Americans money,” the U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said.
The DOE’s announcement claims that previous rules and standards have increased efficiency and lowered costs for Americans. “Today, the typical new refrigerator uses 75% less energy than its 1973 counterpart—while offering roughly 20% more storage capacity and more useful features,” the department wrote. “In that 40-year span, DOE raised the efficiency standard for refrigerators three times.”
But, energy efficiency aside, are household appliances better than they were in the 1970s and 80s? Not everyone thinks so. An analysis found in National Economics Editorial claims that household appliances’ lifespan has significantly decreased, which is evident by manufacturer warranty periods being steadily reduced. The analysis also argues that appliances today are not as reliable as they were in the 1970s and 80s. An article found in the Guardian highlights instances of several individuals still using their appliances from the 1950s daily — imagine that.
These older appliances don’t tend to comply with progressive’s green ambitions though. The bureaucrats at the DOE would prefer American citizens go through the hassle of getting themselves a new refrigerator ($1,000 on average) so that they can save “an estimated $425 on their utility bill over the average life of the appliance.”
So far, 21 state attorney generals signed a letter opposing the regulation proposal, arguing that the cost does not outweigh the benefit, and the impact on the environment doesn’t justify the large shift in policy.
If adopted before the deadline, the regulations would go into effect in 2027.
