Overview

• The Department of Energy has announced its largest deregulatory effort, seeking to eliminate or amend 47 federal regulations on energy efficiency, water standards, and nondiscrimination policies.
• The rollback targets Biden-era efficiency standards for appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and showerheads, aiming to save $11 billion and reduce regulatory text by 125,000 words.
• Critics argue the proposal violates the Energy Policy and Conservation Act’s anti-backsliding provision, which prohibits weakening existing efficiency standards.
• The proposed changes, now entering the Federal Register's public comment phase, could face significant legal challenges from environmental and consumer advocacy groups.
• The initiative aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to reduce federal oversight and promote energy production, including rescinding diversity and minority business grant requirements.