2026-07-23 Comment response to the published Request for information and request for comments

I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the Department of Energy’s review of its analytical methods for establishing energy conservation standards. Energy efficiency policy is not simply about technology or market outcomes—it is about people. The decisions DOE makes regarding appliance and equipment standards directly impact household affordability, public health, energy reliability, and the economic well-being of communities across the nation. I encourage DOE to ensure that its analytical framework fully incorporates the lived experiences of consumers, particularly low-income households, rural communities, communities of color, older adults, and historically underserved populations that are often disproportionately impacted by rising energy costs and inefficient infrastructure. Energy-efficient products can provide meaningful long-term savings for families, but those benefits must be accessible to all communities. DOE’s analysis should continue examining not only average consumer impacts but also how energy standards affect households facing energy burdens, limited purchasing power, housing inequities, and barriers to accessing newer technologies. I also encourage DOE to strengthen its consideration of environmental justice impacts within its decision-making process. Communities that have historically experienced higher exposure to pollution and climate-related risks should not be expected to bear additional costs while waiting for the benefits of energy innovation. Energy policy should advance affordability, health, and resilience together. DOE should also consider the broader economic impacts of strong efficiency standards, including job creation, workforce development, domestic manufacturing opportunities, and the need for skilled workers who can install, maintain, and repair efficient technologies. A successful energy transition requires investments not only in products but also in the people and communities that support those systems. Transparency and public accountability must remain central to this process. Communities deserve to understand how decisions about energy standards are made and how those decisions affect their homes, workplaces, and local economies. Public engagement should include meaningful participation from community organizations, consumer advocates, and residents who are directly affected by energy affordability challenges. I urge DOE to maintain a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that recognizes energy efficiency standards as an investment in economic security, public health, environmental protection, and community resilience. The future of energy policy must not only ask what is technologically possible—it must also ask who benefits, who pays, and whether the outcomes advance equity for all Americans. Thank you for considering these comments.