Trump cutting Energy Star program is a conflict of interest

The Energy Star program is a win-win for consumers and businesses -- so why does Donald Trump want to cut it?

It turns out 11 of Trump's 15 properties in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco have received scores below 50 (out of 100) in energy efficiency from the Energy Star program.1 Buildings with low energy efficiency -- like Trump's properties -- tend to have lower property values than their competitors.

Tell your members of Congress not to let Trump put his company's profits ahead of American consumers and our environment!

Energy Star is an incredibly popular program that helps shoppers identify products that use less electricity. When news broke that the Trump administration wants to defund the program, more than 1,000 companies called for it to be saved.2

This program is a prime example of the government and the private sector working together. It costs just $50 million a year, and the EPA estimates that it has saved Americans $430 billion on utility bills since 1992.3

Once again, instead of supporting common-sense policies that help American businesses, consumers, and the environment, Trump prioritizes putting more money in his pockets.

Don't stand for this self-serving and environmentally harmful budget cut!

- The SierraRise team


1. Frisbie C. and Kantor, A. (26 April 2017) "Trump's plan to kill Energy Star could benefit his properties." CNN.���
2. (24 April 2017). "Industry Support Letter for Energy Star." Alliance to Save Energy.���
3. Nadel, S. (22 March 2017). "Don't Tread on Energy Star." American Council for Energy Efficient Economy. ���

Tell Congress before it’s too late: don’t cut Energy Star and other efficiency programs that save consumers money.

You’re probably familiar with the iconic Energy Star label.

For decades, consumers have relied on this trusted symbol adorning energy-efficient options for electronics, home appliances, and more. The public-private program has saved American households $430 billion on utility bills and reduced air pollution by avoiding the need for 185 new power plants!

Energy Star benefits both consumers and partner companies. With so many people struggling to pay utility bills, these efficiency programs provide much-needed relief.

Unfortunately, Energy Star and other energy efficiency programs are set to be cut under the Trump administration's budget. Congress will be voting soon on our national budget, and we don’t have much time to act.

Tell Congress before it’s too late: don’t cut Energy Star and other efficiency programs that save consumers money.

Take action »

Take two minutes today to save this smart and effective program by using our tool to email your members of Congress. We can save Energy Star — but we need to start by sending messages immediately.

After you’re done sending a brief message, forward this email to your friends and family so we can flood Congress with even more letters of support for Energy Star and other efficiency programs that save us money.

Shannon Baker-Branstetter
Consumers Union, Policy and Action from Consumer Reports