Federal efficiency standards governing everyday household appliances — long criticized by consumers and industry experts alike — are now being rolled back following new action from the Trump administration. The move signals a sharp reversal from policies championed during the Biden era that critics argue raised costs while delivering little practical benefit.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) to halt enforcement of a wide range of federal regulations that restrict water and energy use in common appliances such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. The administration also ordered the department to begin the process of rescinding or amending those rules, many of which trace their origins to the early 1990s and were expanded in recent years.

Trump criticized the standards as part of what he described as an extreme environmental agenda that has burdened American households. In his directive, he argued that federal efficiency mandates have made appliances more expensive, less effective, and harder to repair — all while offering minimal real-world savings.

The decision represents a significant shift away from decades of federal involvement in appliance design and performance. Supporters of the rollback say the rules reflect regulatory overreach that prioritizes ideological goals over consumer needs, while benefiting special interests and regulatory agencies more than ordinary families.

Much of the current regulatory framework stems from the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which established national efficiency standards and laid the groundwork for the Energy Star program. While initially promoted as a way to conserve resources and reduce utility bills, critics across the political spectrum now argue the program has failed to deliver on its promises.

Studies and consumer reports over the years have found that newer “high-efficiency” appliances often cost significantly more upfront and frequently perform worse than older models. For example, dishwashers that once completed a cleaning cycle in under an hour can now take two hours or more, while still requiring repeat washes. Washing machines subject to efficiency rules have also drawn criticism for reduced cleaning power and increased mechanical failures.

According to industry estimates, regulatory compliance has added as much as $100 or more to the retail price of some appliances. Critics also contend that these designs place greater strain on components, shortening appliance lifespans and increasing repair costs — ultimately offsetting any modest savings on water or electricity.

During Trump’s first term, enforcement of many of these rules was paused, allowing manufacturers greater flexibility and giving consumers more choice. That approach was reversed shortly after President Biden took office, as his administration moved aggressively to reinstate and expand efficiency standards as part of a broader climate agenda.

Opponents argue that the Biden-Harris administration went even further, proposing rules that would have dramatically increased costs for basic household equipment. Proposed electric water heater standards, for example, were projected to raise prices by nearly $1,000 if they had taken effect later this decade. Similar policies targeting natural gas appliances fueled fears that gas-powered water heaters and stoves would become unaffordable for many families.

The debate intensified in 2023 when federal agencies explored new efficiency standards that critics said could effectively eliminate gas stoves. The proposal sparked widespread backlash, with many Americans viewing it as an intrusion into personal choice and household autonomy.

In his directive, Trump stated that water conservation requirements for bathrooms and kitchens have resulted in appliances that are “less functional” and more costly to maintain. He argued that efficiency standards for washers and dishwashers have produced products that are more fragile, more expensive to repair, and less useful overall.

The order instructs the Secretary of Energy to use all available legal authority to rescind or revise numerous specific regulations governing water and energy use, as well as key definitions that determine how appliances are classified and regulated. Until that process is complete, the department has been directed not to enforce the listed provisions.

Supporters of the rollback see it as a win for consumers and a rejection of what they view as symbolic environmental policy. They argue that the regulations have failed to meaningfully reduce emissions or conserve resources, while imposing real financial burdens on households already facing rising costs.

However, critics of the move warn that the changes could be temporary. Democratic leaders continue to advocate for sweeping climate initiatives, many of which involve stricter efficiency mandates and substantial government spending. Opponents say these proposals often come with multi-trillion-dollar price tags and questionable environmental returns.

Skeptics argue that such policies primarily benefit lobbyists, advocacy groups, and consultants in Washington, rather than producing measurable improvements for the environment. As administrations change, they warn, consumers could once again find themselves caught in the middle of shifting regulatory priorities.

For now, the rollback marks a clear departure from decades of federal appliance regulation — and a renewed debate over how much control the government should have over the products Americans use every day.