The ENERGY STAR program is at risk of being completely dismantled by the current administration. According to internal communications from the EPA, the program along with its product standards, building certifications, and the widely used Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool could be eliminated before the next fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

As a RESNET HERS Rater with over a decade of experience administering the ENERGY STAR program, I’ve seen firsthand what this program really means for the building industry and for American homeowners. It’s not just a sticker or a label, it’s a system of accountability. And right now, it’s a system under siege.

Why ENERGY STAR Matters

In my work across the country, I’ve witnessed a troubling reality: many city and county inspectors either miss serious code violations or, worse, choose to ignore them. Whether due to undertraining, overwork, or outright political pressure, the result is the same; builders are left in the dark, assuming they’ve passed inspection, while hidden issues fester inside the walls.

ENERGY STAR changes that. It introduces third-party verification into the process, independent raters like myself who are trained to uphold a national standard. I’ve personally flagged homes for missing fireblocking, compromised insulation, unsealed ductwork, and other critical failures; homes that had already passed local inspection.
For many builders, ENERGY STAR is the only reason they opt for third-party verification at all. It’s the one incentive that elevates a project above “good enough,” and into “built to last.”

ENERGY STAR isn’t mandatory—but it works because it’s trusted. It was launched under President George H.W. Bush, has long enjoyed bipartisan support, and currently saves Americans more than $40 billion per year in energy costs, all while operating on a modest $32 million annual budget.

What’s at Stake

If ENERGY STAR is dismantled, we’re not just losing a label. We’re losing:

• Accountability in the construction process
• Consumer trust in energy efficiency claims
• A proven pathway to reduce energy waste and lower utility bills
• A vital bridge between builders, utilities, product manufacturers, and independent verifiers

We are also watching broader cuts threaten the future of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy—two agencies tasked with safeguarding the health of our environment and energy future. These cuts don’t just reduce red tape—they remove the guardrails.

Help Us Save ENERGY STAR

Time is running out. If Congress does not intervene before October 1, the entire ENERGY STAR program could vanish. But your voice can make the difference.

• Call your U.S. Senators and Representatives today and urge them to stop this reckless dismantling of one of the most effective energy programs in history.
• If you can’t call, send an email, both are effective and urgently needed.

» Use this one-click advocacy tool to contact your lawmakers: Usgbc.quorum.us/campaign/123094

Let them know: ENERGY STAR is worth fighting for. For more information or questions, contact:

• Ben Evans at the U.S. Green Building Council – bevans@usgbc.org
• Sapna Gheewala Dowla at the Alliance to Save Energy – sgdowla@ase.org

Let’s make it clear: We will not stand by while a working program is quietly dismantled. The future of energy-efficient, accountable building is on the line. Help us protect it.

Author:
Jacob Hooper
National Director. RESNET Certified HERS Rater. ENERGY STAR Certified Rater.
Jacob Hooper is a RESNET Accredited HERS Rater, Quality Assurance Designee, and serves as Director of Quality Assurance at ICS Inspectors LLC. He is passionate about advocating for both builders and homeowners, and believes that we are at our best when we use our agency to serve and uplift others.