Energy Conservation & Efficiency

Thousands speak up for more efficient washing machines

More than 9000 people urged the Department of Energy to move forward with updated efficiency standards for washing machines.

Steve Buissinne via Pixabay | Pixabay.com

Supporters of environmental and consumer organizations directed more than 9,000 comments to the Department of Energy in support of proposed efficiency requirements for washing machines leading up to the comment deadline of May 2nd.

“Thousands of people agree that we can have clean clothes without needlessly wasting energy and water,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy. “I hope the Department of Energy sees this public support and finalizes the washing machine efficiency rules swiftly.”

If finalized, the rules are expected to prevent 53 million metric tons of global warming pollution over 30 years. That’s the climate equivalent of taking more than 11 million cars off the road for a year. The proposed standards would also conserve water. Clothes washers currently account for 16% of households’ indoor water use. Under the Department of Energy’s proposal, top-loading washers would use 31% less water than units just meeting the current standard. The proposed washing machine standards are estimated to save 2.5 trillion gallons of water, as much water as could fill nearly 4 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.

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