Microwaves. Dish washers. Ovens. Oh my! The energy we use to power all of these appliances influences our climate and our wallets. But thanks to changes we’re proposing to an energy-efficiency process rule, the Department of Energy (DOE) will soon be able to cut through regulatory red tape so we can update America’s energy efficiency standards more quickly.

For decades, DOE has set energy standards for appliances, lighting, and other building equipment. So far, they’ve done a great job of not only saving energy and keeping climate-altering carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere, but of saving money for Americans, too. And very big money at that.

How big? They’ve helped American families and business consumers save more than $1 trillion on their utility bills and we expect that figure to reach $2 trillion by 2030. These energy standards have also kept 4.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — close to a year’s worth of the nation’s CO2 emissions — from reaching our atmosphere and worsening the climate crisis.

So why are we talking about this now? For starters, we’re committed to carrying out President Biden's bold agenda to take on the climate crisis and meet the goals of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a carbon neutral economy by 2050.

To achieve these goals, DOE announced last week that it will remove roadblocks that make it harder to advance new energy efficiency rules and products that save consumers money, create jobs, and protect the environment.

Restoring this past regulatory structure is a win-win-win for all Americans. When it comes to delivering on President Biden’s promise to build back better, this policy will help our country tackle the climate crisis, create jobs, and keep more money in Americans’ wallets.