About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline
LOG IN
LOG IN

1 [1] (May 10, 2018)

handle is hein.crs/govzea0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Cogesoa Resarc Sev1 Updated May 10, 2018 ENERGY STAR Program Overview ENERGY STAR@ is an internationally recognized voluntary labeling program for energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, and manufacturing plants that is managed jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The intended purposes of the program are to reduce energy consumption; realize cost savings for citizens on their utility bills; and reduce emissions of pollutants-including greenhouse gases (GHGs)-from electric power production, and limit associated health and environmental impacts through non- regulatory means. According to EPA, in 2014 the program saved consumers $34 billion on annual utility bills and avoided 300 million metric tons of GHGs. Issues of possible consideration for 115th Congress involve the program's appropriations, organization, and authorizations. * Appropriations: The President's FY2019 budget request includes a proposal to convert the ENERGY STAR program to a fee-funded program in FY2019 with an upfront FY2019 appropriation of $46 million. The intent of the fee collection would be to provide funding to replace to the extent allowable the upfront appropriation to maintain the program. * Organization: In the explanatory statements for EPA and DOE of the FY2018 omnibus (P.L. 115-141, Division G and Division D, respectively), the agencies are directed to review the 2009 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which shifted some functions related to home appliance products from DOE to EPA, and to report to Congress on whether the expected efficiencies for home appliance products have been achieved. * Authorizations: Legislation proposed in the 115th Congress includes provisions to codify third-party certification and direct EPA to revise the certification requirements for certain program partners. History and Development The ENERGY STAR program portfolio expanded over time. EPA established ENERGY STAR in 1992 under the authority of the Clean Air Act, Section 103(g). Initially, EPA introduced the ENERGY STAR label for computers and monitors. Since 1992, EPA has expanded the number of product categories to more than 70. In 1995, ENERGY STAR was expanded to include labeling for buildings and new homes. The program added manufacturing facilities in 2006. In 2007, manufactured homes were incorporated. DOE's role with ENERGY STAR was established through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with EPA in 1996. Congress codified the program and this relationship in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58, §131). The most recent MOU between EPA and DOE identifies EPA as the lead agency for ENERGY STAR and DOE as the lead agency for the National Building Rating program. Generally, EPA sets performance levels for ENERGY STAR products and buildings, and DOE provides technical support, including the development of testing procedures and metrics for performance and program monitoring. Certain actions of note in ENERGY STAR history are highlighted in Table 1, including two Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that examined various aspects of the program's voluntary approach. Table I. Chronology of Selected Actions Related to the ENERGY STAR Program Timelin e 1992 1995 1996 2001 2001 2005 2006 2009 2010 2011 2013 2018 Action EPA establishes ENERGY STAR under the authority of the Clean Air Act, Section 103(g) First international agreement for ENERGY STAR established with Japan regarding qualified office products EPA and DOE issue MOC on Energy Efficient, Environmentally Beneficial Buildings United States and Canada agree to partner on ENERGY STAR United States and European Union (EU) agree to partner on ENERGY STAR Energy Policy Act, Section 131 formally codifies the ENERGY STAR program within EPA and DOE United States and EU enter into an agreement on the Coordination of Energy-Efficient Labelling Programs for Office Equipment EPA and DOE issue MOU on Improving the Energy Efficiency of Products and Buildings GAO- 10-470, ENERGY STAR Program: Coven Testing Shows the ENERGY STAR Program Certification Process is Vulnerable to Fraud and Abuse GAO-1 I-888, ENERGY STAR: Providing Opportunities for Additional Review of EPA's Decisions Could Strengthen the Program Update of the EU and U.S. agreement The EU-U.S. ENERGY STAR agreement expired on February 20, 2018 Source: Clean Air Act (P.L. 10 1-549); EPA 2012, ENERGY STAR: Celebrating 20 Years; Energy Policy Act (P.L. 109-58); GAO- 10-470; GAO- 11-888; MOU (2009); MOC (1996); Agreements between United States and the EU. Notes: MOC is Memorandum of Cooperation; MOU is Memorandum of Understanding. https:/crsreports.congress go

What Is HeinOnline?

HeinOnline is a subscription-based resource containing thousands of academic and legal journals from inception; complete coverage of government documents such as U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Code, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Reports, and much more. Documents are image-based, fully searchable PDFs with the authority of print combined with the accessibility of a user-friendly and powerful database. For more information, request a quote or trial for your organization below.



Short-term subscription options include 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week to HeinOnline.

Purchase Access

Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?

Log In

profiles profiles most