ENERGY STAR^®/NAFEM discuss emerging state requirements

NAFEM met with representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation to discuss states’ efforts to require that certain commercial appliances meet or exceed ENERGY STAR and WaterSense requirements to be sold, leased or rented in those states. During the Nov. 19 meeting, NAFEM shared the results of its recent member survey showing that, of those responding to the survey:

• More than 2/3 of members take part in ENERGY STAR;
• 40 percent say the program is very important or important to their businesses;
• More than half say state efforts to require ENERGY STAR certification would negatively impact their businesses; and,
• Nearly 2/3 say the voluntary nature of ENERGY STAR is important.

NAFEM shared concerns with EPA that state activities could undermine the importance of the national ENERGY STAR brand. Already, 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.