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Trump Administration Takes Action to Lower Cost of Living, Protect Consumer Choice for Household Appliances and Kitchen Faucets

EPA is overhauling WaterSense specifications imposed by the Biden-Harris Administration

February 14, 2025

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EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency has taken action to overhaul all Biden-Harris Administration WaterSense specifications. These specifications developed during the Biden-Harris Administration drive up the cost of living for American consumers and lower the quality of household appliances.

 “Americans deserve access to the best products in their homes, and appliances like shower heads and lightbulbs that work,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “That’s why I’ve instructed EPA’s WaterSense program to overhaul their specifications that best factor in effectiveness and consumer experience. Together with the Department of Energy and President Trump’s leadership we are working to not only lower costs for American families but improve the quality of household appliances.” 

 The Biden-Harris Administration weaponized energy efficiency rules to restrict consumer choice in many home appliances. If we do not act, the last Administration’s actions will make new home appliances more expensive and contribute to a higher cost of living for Americans.

 The list of specifications developed during the last Administration have encouraged the sale of bathroom and kitchen faucets, residential toilets, and sprinkler nozzles that just don’t work well.

 At the same time, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is also undertaking a process of postponing seven home appliance rules that were finalized under the Biden-Harris Administration, including energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, general service lamps, walk-in coolers and freezers, gas instantaneous water heaters, commercial refrigeration equipment, and air compressors. DOE will also establish a new energy efficiency category for instantaneous gas hot water heaters.  

 Under the leadership of President Trump, Federal agencies continue to slash unnecessary red tape and regulations that raise the cost of living, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.

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Last updated on February 14, 2025
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