Consumer & environmental groups take legal action against Department of Energy

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Environmental and consumer groups initiated legal action against the US Department of Energy, filing a lawsuit for illegally delaying ceiling fan standards and a notice of intent to sue for delays on five additional product standards. 

For more details, read the press releases from ASAP steering committee member organizations: 

Consumer Federation of America: Consumer Groups Join in Lawsuit Against the Department of Energy

Regarding the ceiling fan lawsuit: “This case represents the purest example of needless and illegal delay,” said Cooper.  “The rule is faithful to the statute, was written in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and saves consumers money. This is the perfect case to lay down the law.” 

EarthjusticeGroups Threaten to Sue Trump Administration for Blocking Common Sense Energy Efficiency Measures

“Last week, President Trump tried to block the rise of clean energy with an executive order that ignores the law and scientific reality. This week, Earthjustice is fighting back,” Earthjustice attorney Timothy Ballo said. “If the Trump Administration continues blocking these common sense measures that will help people across the country, we’ll take them to court. It is past time for the DOE to take the simple action of publishing these completed rules so we can all start to reap the benefits.”

NRDC: NRDC & Others Launch Legal Actions Against Trump Administration of Six Delayed Energy Efficiency Standards

“These delays are unacceptable, unnecessary, and illegal,” said Kit Kennedy, director of NRDC’s Energy and Transportation Program. “The Trump administration needs to do its job and follow the law on energy efficiency. These inexplicable delays are hurting the pocketbooks of America’s families and businesses, and creating uncertainty for manufacturers.”