President Biden’s Department of Energy suggested new efficiency standards to wash machines. This was to “confront global climate crisis”.

Industry leaders voiced opposition to the rule. They argue that the detergent will be more time-consuming to make and will clean less.

The proposal to change the washing machine is a clear example of Biden’s desire for more consumer regulation in order to promote green initiatives.

Although these standards will raise appliance prices, the government claims they are reasonable because they will reduce water and energy consumption. James Coleman, senior fellow at American Enterprise Institute says consumers will likely purchase more efficient appliances if these standards are true. If they took into account the energy costs in their particular circumstances, it would be detrimental for them to adopt these standards.

The Department of Energy released a statement saying that the proposal builds upon more than 110 actions taken by the Biden Harris Administration 2022 to improve efficiency standards. The average household will save $100 annually due to lower energy costs. They also support President Biden’s ambitious clean energy agenda to combat global warming.

According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the Energy Department’s washing machine regulations will have a “disproportionately adverse effect on low income households” because they take cheaper appliances off the market. According to estimates by the Energy Department, to convert existing machines to new models, manufacturers will have to spend almost $700 million.

Coleman stated that Coleman’s proposal doesn’t claim lower appliance performance.