AGA and Coalition Comments Objecting to the Proposed Elimination of the ENERGY STAR Program for Residential Fuel Fired Furnaces.

Back on May 19th, we reported on the EPA announcement (attached)  that “Consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) focus on the potential for electric heat pumps to deliver energy-efficiency gains, pollution reduction and cost-savings to consumers, the ENERGY STAR program is proposing to sunset the certification pathway to the ENERGY STAR label for residential furnaces and central air conditioners (CACs).” We have been providing updates on that proposal weekly and yesterday, AGA filed timely comments  (attached) objecting to the EPA proposed elimination of the ENERGY STAR program for residential fuel fired furnaces.  Also yesterday, AGA joined six other organizations, including the National Propane Gas Association, the American Public Gas Association, the National Energy & Fuels Institute, the Energy Marketers of America, the Oilheat Manufacturers Association, and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association on joint comments (attached) also strongly  objecting to the EPA’s proposal to sunset the ENERGY STAR certification for residential fuel fired furnaces and central air conditioners. We understand that many BECS committee members and other stakeholders have also submitted objections to the EPA proposal. Finally, attached is today’s AGA Press Release announcing the filing of our comments and outlining our reasons for the opposition. We appreciate the many BECS committee members active participation in filing opposition comments on the EPA proposal and will provide the EPA response when available.

AGA News and Updates.

Attached is the June AGA News and Update distributed by the AGA Advocacy & Outreach Section that provides information on AGA happenings beyond the Building Energy Codes and Standards End Use Codes and Standards activities across the association.  Note that this issue provides coverage of the House legislative activity on gas ranges, AGA Commends Bipartisan Passage of the “Save Our Gas Stoves Act” and the May EPA proposed phase out the ENERGY STAR certification for natural gas furnaces and central air conditioners by December 30, 2024.  There are a number of other articles that provide AGA updates across a number of AGA Sections that BECS members should find of interest and value. Feel free to pass this information on to others within your organization and you can sign on to receive the AGA News and Updates directly.  If you have any questions on the AGA News and Updates,contact  Sue Forrester, Vice President, Advocacy & Outreach ([email protected]) or Kara Riba, Director, Advocacy & Outreach ([email protected]).