On January 23, 2026, President Trump signed a bipartisan fiscal 2026 funding bill (H.R. 6938) into law that secures roughly $33 million for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, ensuring its operation despite earlier efforts by the administration to eliminate it. The funding level remains relatively flat, providing a key reprieve for the efficiency program.
- Funding Details: The package mandates at least $33 million for Energy Star through September 30, 2026, a slight increase over the $32 million in FY2024.
- Political Context: This action represents a defeat to the White House, as Congress rejected initial attempts to zero out the program.
- Program Status: Despite threats of elimination in 2025, the program continues to operate, though efficiency experts have noted concerns about large staff departures from ENERGY STAR last year.
- Wider Package: The bill funds the EPA with $8.8 billion.
More information is available here and here.
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