The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing stricter appliance rules that would significantly reduce water and energy usage limits for dishwashers in the US.
Why it matters: The proposal would lower the water consumption limit for dishwashers from the current 5 gallons per cycle to 3.2 gallons.
- It would also mandate manufacturers to cut their products’ energy use by nearly 30%.
- This move is part of President Biden’s aggressive climate agenda, aiming to combat climate change through energy efficiency.
Most dishwashers in the market already use less than the existing federal standard, with an average consumption of around 3.5 gallons per cycle.
- Yet, dishwashers are not the only target — the DOE is also contemplating stricter rules for washers, dryers, and refrigerators, which could impact their performance, according to manufacturers.
What’s next: The proposal follows a recent controversy over gas stoves.
- Despite assurances from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer that gas stoves weren’t going away, New York state recently enacted a ban on gas stove hookups in all future buildings, beginning with small constructions in 2025 and extending to larger buildings by 2028.