ENERGY STAR®/NAFEM discuss state requirements

On Nov. 19, NAFEM and representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation met to discuss individual states’ requirements that certain commercial appliances sold, leased or rented in those states meet or exceed ENERGY STAR and WaterSense requirements.

While EPA is concerned about pre-empting states’ abilities to set their own standards, they – like NAFEM – want to protect the voluntary nature of the ENERGY STAR program. EPA’s next step is to further evaluate the state-by-state approach and the potential impact on the national program. NAFEM anticipates additional information from the agency in early 2020.

Colorado and Washington have passed bills requiring ENERGY STAR certification for commercial equipment. Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are considering similar legislation.