Appliance Energy Standards Announced

Hailed as one of the biggest environmental achievements of the Clinton Administration, the Department of Energy issued four new Final Rules on minimum standards for the energy efficiency of appliances and HVAC equipment shortly before the changing of the guard on January 20. The new rules go into effect in three to six years. The rules on water heaters and central air conditioners were hotly contested by industry groups and lauded by environmental groups. The total energy savings of the rules is estimated by the Department of Energy to be equal to the energy output of 91 400-megawatt power plants. The new appliance and equipment minimum standards will give rise to increases in the energy efficiency standards of the EPA Energy Star® program as well.