Bush Admin. Weakens Proposed Energy Efficiency Rules

Environmental Defense today criticized the Bush administration for weakening proposed energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners.

“Rolling back energy efficiency standards for air conditioning at a time when energy costs and concerns about rolling blackouts are growing simply doesn’t make sense,” said Environmental Defense executive director, Fred Krupp. “Today’s decision is a real missed opportunity, which will only make America more polluted.”

“The proposed standards have support from industry and state government,” said Krupp. “In fact, New York, California, and the Texas Public Utility Commission, whose chair was appointed by President Bush, all supported the stronger standards.”

“The American people expect progress, not backsliding on the environment,” said Krupp. “Increased energy efficiency protects the environment and saves people money by reducing their electricity bills. A strong effort on air conditioners would have helped clean the air, save money and slow global warming; today’s rollback does just the opposite,” said Krupp.

“The proposed standards were only due to go into effect in 2006, and all of the major air conditioner manufacturers are already selling models today that meet or beat the tougher standards, so clearly technology isn’t a problem,” said Krupp. “The administration’s failure to hold the line on energy efficiency is bad for the American economy and for America’s environment.”