An Energy Star Window Into EPA Ineptitude

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investors Business Daily:

Energy: For two decades, the Energy Star program has guided consumers to reasonably priced energy-saving windows and doors. Now, the EPA's mindless pursuit of tougher energy efficiency standards threatens it.

 

Started in 1992, this voluntary program lets manufacturers put an Energy Star label on everything from computers to refrigerators to windows if they meet certain EPA-set efficiency standards.

 

For a government effort, it has been a success. Since 2000, Americans have bought about 3.8 billion Energy Star-rated products, according to the EPA, saving $230 billion in energy costs and preventing 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Over time, the EPA has tightened its Energy Star standards, as technology allowed for more efficiency gains without adding much in costs.

 

But in its zeal for ever greater energy efficiency, the EPA now plans to impose new standards for windows that will add significantly to their price, putting Energy Star-rated windows out of reach of most consumers.