CNS Senior Staff Writer

October 25, 2000

The Libertarians say washing machines meeting new federal standards have started to arrive in stores around the country, thanks to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act that Congress passed in 1987 and amended in 1992.

Washington, D.C., bureaucrats are dumping an extra dirty load of regulations on Americans, rinsing the money out of our wallets, and hanging consumers out to dry, said Libertarian Party national director Steve Dasbach.

The legislation gives the Energy Department the power to set energy and water standards for household appliances. Specifically, it will force manufacturers to cut energy use in washing machines 22 percent by 2004. To meet the new standards, manufacturers must start selling more energy efficient front-loading washing machines, instead of the more popular top-loading models, according to the Libertarians.

But Libertarians find that front loaders cost about $200 more than the older machines, while top loaders that meet the new standards cost $1,100, compared to only $300 for the basic old-style models.

According to Dasbach, The front loaders also don't wash as well, can't be opened during the wash cycle, and take longer to do the job. Because of those problems, 90 percent of washing machines currently sold in the USA are top loaders. But that doesn't matter to Washington, D.C., bureaucrats who are convinced they know what's right for you.

However, the Department of Energy released a statement, saying that energy-efficient clothes washers will save consumers money and help maintain a cleaner environment.

DOE says that over a 25-year period, the new washing machine standards will cut water usage by some 10.5 trillion gallons and save enough energy to light 16 million homes.

Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson calls the new washing machine standards a win-win for consumers and the environment.

Consumers can expect to save over $200 in water and energy costs over the life of the product, he said. The reduction in energy use will also help improve the reliability of the nation's electricity supply and maintain a cleaner environment, Richardson said.