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U.S. Action to Cut Carbon Pollution


The sun sets off Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. The U.S. is committed to continuing to establish new efficiency standards that reduce emissions.
The sun sets off Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. The U.S. is committed to continuing to establish new efficiency standards that reduce emissions.

In support of President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Energy Department recently announced two new energy efficiency standards.

In support of President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Energy Department recently announced two new energy efficiency standards.

U.S. Action to Cut Carbon Pollution
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The new standards, which apply to fluorescent lamps and commercial ice makers are the ninth and tenth standards finalized in 2014. Altogether, the ten standards finalized last year will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 435 million metric tons.

The new standard for fluorescent lamps will help reduce harmful carbon dioxide pollution by 90 million metric tons – equivalent to the carbon pollution from the annual electricity use of more than 12 million homes – and save Americans more than $15 billion in electricity bills through 2030.

The standard for commercial ice makers, which provide large volumes of ice that is typically used in soft drinks, ice water, and other beverages, and also to keep fresh fish, salad bars, and other products cold, will help reduce harmful carbon dioxide pollution by 4 million metric tons.

This equipment is used in a wide variety of locations, including in hotels, restaurants and cafeterias, hospitals, schools, grocery and other retail stores, and office buildings.

Since the beginning of the Obama Administration, the Energy Department has finalized new efficiency standards for more than 30 household and commercial products, including dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters, which are estimated to save consumers nearly $480 billion through 2030.

To build on this momentum, the U.S. is committed to continuing to establish new efficiency standards that – when combined with the progress already made through previously finalized standards – will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons in total by 2030, equal to more than a year’s carbon pollution from the entire U.S. electricity system. In November, the U.S. announced a target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

“As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department set an ambitious goal of finalizing 10 energy efficiency standards this year, and with the new efficiency standards for general service fluorescent lamps and automatic commercial ice makers, we have reached that goal,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “The Energy Department is committed to building on this progress, and will continue to develop standards that move the U.S. closer to a low carbon future.”

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