New Relationship with EPA-DOE CEE Recommendations Implemented

DOE will take primary responsibility for monitoring and verifying test procedure compliance and the development of federal test procedures and metrics, while EPA will manage the ENERGY STAR brand and propose new products for consideration by a Governing Council led by Cathy Zoi and Gina McCarthy of EPA, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.

From left to right: Cathy Zoi and Joe Hagerman, DOE; Roland Risser, PG&E; and David Goldstein, Natural Resources Defense Council

Maria Vargas, ENERGY STAR Communications and Brand Manager at EPA, followed Zoi, stating she was happy to work with Cathy and her whole team. She chimed in support for the statement that we are all facing the challenge of climate change and that she is committed to driving action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

From left to right: Marc Hoffman, CEE; Maria Vargas, ENERGY STAR; and David Goldstein, National Resources Defence Council

The new EPA-DOE expanded partnership captures the desired characteristics conveyed by CEE to the two agencies in June:

1. A single, uniform program with a consistent market presence.
2. A commitment to consult with all key investors in the program, notably CEE members as represented by CEE.
3. A transparent process for changes to the brand definition.
4. Product labeling that responds quickly to market changes.

When the new administration assumed responsibility, CEE petitioned EPA and DOE on behalf of members concerned about the future of the ENERGY STAR program. As a result, CEE was invited to provide a vision for how ENERGY STAR could meet the needs of the efficiency program industry. The new partnership includes the major elements CEE identified for a stronger program.

ENERGY STAR has subsequently provided CEE an FAQ about what to expect during the transition. There will be multiple opportunities for each program affected by the partnership to address concerns through the CEE committee process.