Requirements tightened for Energy Star program
WASHINGTON D.C. - The Obama administration is taking steps to strengthen the federal Energy Star program after a report found the government energy efficiency program vulnerable to fraud and abuse.
The Environmental Protection Agency says that to qualify their products for the energyefficient label, new applicants will be required to submit complete lab reports and results for review. The agency is also ditching an automated approval process.
A report by last month by the General Accountability Office faulted the program for not verifying claims made by manufacturers. The GAO was able to get a bunch of phony products certified, including a gasolinepowered alarm clock.
The EPA and Energy Department will also require all manufacturers by the end of the year to submit test results from an approved, accredited lab.
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Advisers come and advisers go, of course, but it turns out there was an impetus for Mintz’s departure. The Ecofiscal Commission in its latest report, dropped just before Canada Day, seemingly shifted from its position that carbon prices were so excellent at mimicking market forces…
