Trump Reverses Biden's Energy Standards

President Donald Trump has announced the reversal of several energy-efficiency regulations implemented by former President Joe Biden, focusing on water-use and lightbulb standards. Trump directed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to restore the previous standards for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and gas stoves, citing a return to 'common sense standards'. The Biden administration had introduced these regulations to reduce carbon footprints and save costs for Americans, though manufacturers warned of potential increases in product prices. Trump also reversed Biden's move to phase out plastic straws, reinstating their use in federal operations. Republican lawmakers are supporting Trump's actions, with some introducing resolutions to block other Biden-era energy standards. The changes to lightbulb standards mark a significant shift from the phased-out incandescent bulbs to more energy-efficient alternatives like LEDs, which had been part of a broader energy policy since 2007.