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Both houses of Congress have moved to reaffirm support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, which has been rumored to be on the chopping block for months under the new administration (E&E News, subscription).

• The ENERGY STAR program sets efficiency standards for a range of products and materials, including air conditioners and heat pumps, allowing them to display the program’s logo if they meet the criteria.

Appropriations: The Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation this week that “would give [ENERGY STAR] … $36 million in fiscal 2026, roughly the same amount it is receiving this year.”

• Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee approved its own version of the spending bill, setting “a minimum funding level at $32 million for [ENERGY STAR].”

What’s next: Congress will need to approve funding legislation for fiscal year 2026 by Sept. 30 to continue to fund this popular program.

The NAM in action: In June, the NAM and dozens of partner associations told legislators of the importance of ENERGY STAR to their industries, saying “electricity saved by ENERGY STAR helps free up space on the grid needed so the U.S. can lead the world to power and grow artificial intelligence, support the burgeoning crypto asset industry and bring more manufacturing plants back to our shores.”

The last word: “ENERGY STAR is a critical and popular voluntary program that benefits manufacturers that make more energy-efficient products,” said NAM Director of Energy and Resources Policy Michael Davin.

• “Both consumers and manufacturers benefit from its existence, and we applaud Congress for affirming their support for maintaining the program.”