Donald Trump reignites the lightbulb wars
VergeFEB 19
Trump Moves to Roll Back Biden-Era Appliance Efficiency Rules
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Feb.11, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump is making America's energy policy great again with these reversals of Biden-era regulations. The mandated low-flow fixtures and energy-efficient appliances are more expensive, less effective, and create unnecessary burdens for consumers who should have the freedom to choose their preferred products.
Democratic narrative
Trump is setting back US energy policy by decades. Energy efficiency standards are crucial tools for reducing emissions, lowering household energy bills, and easing pressure on aging power grids. Both consumers and the environment benefit from these policies, but Trump cares more about the fossil fuel industry.