Summarised by Centrist
The United States is rolling back long-standing federal regulations on water and energy use in household appliances, including taps, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets.
A presidential directive issued on 9 May 2025 stated:
“‘Efficiency’ standards render other American appliances like clothes washers and dishwashers less useful, more breakable, and more expensive to repair. The Federal Government should not impose or enforce regulations that make taxpayers’ lives worse.”
Under the directive, US officials will stop enforcing these “radical green agenda policies” while revisions are prepared. The directive also calls for clarification of when states can override federal standards and invites recommendations for Congress to repeal key sections of the law, or eliminate the 1992 legislation entirely.
Supporters of the rollback say the regulations have led to poor appliance performance, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity.
Editor’s note: This debate may be of interest in New Zealand, where similar water efficiency standards exist under EECA regulations. In parallel, New Zealand’s proposed Right to Repair bill, led by Marama Davidson, would mandate access to repairs and spare parts. Critics warn the bill could compromise trade secrets, lacks enforcement, excludes key industries, and fails to prevent planned obsolescence.
