Trump’s Polluters First Agenda Raising Costs on Americans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026
CONTACT: Gabrielle Levy, Glevy@cacampaign.org, 562-673-6974

CAC’s Margie Alt on Trump’s Polluters First Agenda Raising Costs on Americans

WASHINGTON – Margie Alt, Director of the Climate Action Campaign, released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s dismantling of energy efficiency standards, which is fueling the growing affordability crisis:

“At the exact moment families are facing higher gas prices, skyrocketing electricity bills, and record-breaking heat, this administration is choosing to strip away the very policies that have kept energy costs in check for decades. Efficiency standards aren’t red tape, they’re one of the few tools that lower bills for everyone, regardless of income, without asking Americans to sacrifice comfort or convenience. Many of these standards also cut the pollution that drives climate change, and climate change is already driving up costs across the board, from higher cooling bills during record heat to strained power grids to unaffordable food and insurance. Rolling back efficiency doesn’t impact consumer choice; it simply puts higher costs onto every household’s monthly bill now, and will result in even higher costs onto our climate and economy later. We should be doubling down on efficiency, not dismantling it. Trump’s Polluters First Agenda has real, measurable costs for every American, while padding the pockets of dirty energy companies.”

Background Facts:

• Current appliance efficiency standards have lowered U.S. energy use by an estimated 6.5% and saved the average household $576 per year, compared to a world with no standards (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study).
• Stricter fuel-economy standards for cars have saved Americans an estimated $5 trillion in gasoline costs.
• Source: NYT, THE US is Pulling Back on Energy Efficiency Just as Prices are Rising

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About the Climate Action Campaign
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a vibrant coalition driving ambitious, durable, equitable federal action to tackle the climate crisis. By cutting carbon pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy, we will improve public health and create a more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for all.