The Trump administration on Thursday announced its annual awards gala for the Energy Star program for energy efficiency, providing an ironic twist to the president’s budget proposal that looks to slash the program.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department on April 26 will honor 143 businesses and organizations, just three days prior to the 100th day of the Trump presidency.
Energy-efficiency proponents and environmentalists have vowed all-out war in opposing President Trump’s proposed elimination of the 25-year-old program that has saved consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in electric bills.
“In 2015 alone, Energy Star and all of its partners saved American families and businesses $34 billion on energy bills, while helping states achieve their air quality goals,” the EPA said Thursday.
Many of the companies listed in the announcement said nothing about the proposed cuts or Trump’s so-called “skinny budget” in their statements issued after EPA made the announcement.
Michigan appliance giant Whirlpool, for example, used the announcement to play up the fact that its products remain the most efficient and energy sipping while meeting sustainability targets.
“The 2017 award reflects our many products that continue to demonstrate efficient energy performance,” said Ron Voglewede, the company’s head of global sustainability. “Whirlpool Corp. has a 47-year commitment to sustainability and a long-standing history of balancing energy efficiency with consumer needs.”
Whirlpool is one of nearly 100 companies that will be honored for its sustained excellence in meeting Energy Star targets.
Energy Star is as much a part of brand recognition as it is a federal efficiency program. By voluntarily abiding by the program, companies can show off their environmental credibility by placing the Energy Star logo on their products.
The April 26 event will specifically honor new members of the Energy Star program’s “partners of the year,” which will include homebuilder KB Homes, the engineering firm PEG, alloy manufacturer Olin Brass, Vornado Realty Trust and restaurant electric fryer maker Welbilt.
