(Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday proposed to eliminate or change more than 40 regulations and programs to align them with President Donald Trump’s efforts to relax federal rules and gut diversity initiatives.
The moves will save U.S. taxpayers $11 billion, the agency said in a statement, calling it the first step in its largest-ever deregulatory effort.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are bringing back common sense – slashing regulations meant to appease Green New Deal fantasies, restrict consumer choice and increase costs for the American people,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in the statement.
The proposals were posted on a public government website and will be published in the Federal Register later this week.
Many of the rule changes seek to promote Trump’s energy dominance agenda, which seeks to boost production and use of domestic fossil fuels. One rule change allows electronic submissions of applications for natural gas imports and exports, and another simplifies the permit process for transmitting electric energy abroad.
They also target federal energy conservation programs by removing water and energy efficiency standards for faucets, commercial ice makers, microwave ovens, clothes washers and other appliances. They also remove products including portable air conditioners, fans and blowers from coverage under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which directs DOE to set efficiency standards for certain consumer goods.
Trump has often criticized energy- and water-efficient appliances, saying they do not work well and limit consumer choice.
The agency is also rescinding several rules that seek to protect against discrimination on the basis of age, gender and disability. It is also eliminating a rule to support minority businesses seeking grants or contracts.
Those changes are part of Trump’s broad effort to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government.
Reporting by Nichola Groom in Los Angeles Editing by Matthew Lewis
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