Center for Biological Diversity

For Immediate Release, April 27, 2017

Contact: Greer Ryan, (812) 345-8571, gryan@biologicaldiversity.org

Public Records Sought on Trump's Plan to Cut Energy Star Program

WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed Freedom of Information Act requests this week demanding records relating to the Trump administration's proposed cuts to all funding for the Energy Star program. The filings requested communications from the Office of Management and Budget, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program that helps individuals and businesses save money while reducing energy waste and reducing harmful emissions. It helps consumers choose between different types of appliances, electronics, lighting and other products, as well as new homes and commercial buildings.

“We hope public records reveal the real motive behind Trump's bizarre proposal to gut the Energy Star program,” said Greer Ryan, sustainability research associate at the Center. “Planning to eliminate a widely successful program that's supported on both sides of the aisle is yet another shortsighted attack by this administration on any effort to address climate change.”

Energy Star is an effective and well known program. In 2015, with a $50 million budget, the program led to $34 billion in consumer and business savings. In total it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2.7 billion metric tons since 1992 — the equivalent of nearly 40 percent of total U.S. annual greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star labels are recognized by more than 85 percent of Americans.

“To protect our planet and ensure we have a livable climate, we need to reduce emissions in every way possible. That means rapidly transitioning to wildlife-friendly renewable energy sources but also reducing energy waste,” said Ryan. “Energy Star is a cost effective and tried-and-true way to reduce energy waste in our homes and businesses. It's a program we just can't afford to cut.”

Download the requests here, here and here.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

www.biologicaldiversity.org

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