The feds may green your next toaster or microwave

Assuming Americans can sometime in the future begin to buy new appliances, the next gen of toaster or blender may be more energy efficient. President Obama has directed the Energy Depatment to issue new efficiency guidelines by August of this year. That first round will cover nien appliances: ovens, lamps, microwaves, dishwashers and air conditioners. Eventually the DOE could heighten efficiency standards for thirty household appliances. During the last administration legal deadlines on appliance efficiency regs came and went with no action. Obama has ordered the DOE to meet its legal obligations. Do the job. That means not waiting for the inevitable legal battles that greet any federal attempt to improve energy efficiency in the U.S.