Even more egregious, the Trump administration refuses to publish in The Federal Register four efficiency standards finalized in December 2016.

Sadly, the progress on this important program came to a grinding halt when President Trump was inaugurated.

Today, we are here to find out why the Department of Energy is dragging its feet in implementing energy efficiency standards that will save consumers money and help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

I believe DOE's efficiency standards have served as one of the nation's most effective policies for reducing energy use.

This failure to follow the law, which was enacted on a bipartisan basis under President George W. Bush, could potentially cost consumers billions of dollars in energy bills, while also creating uncertainty for domestic manufacturers.

Sadly, the progress on this important program came to a grinding halt when President Trump was inaugurated.

And there is no reason really why the Trump administration should be turning the clock on this, even if they don't believe in climate change.

Let me be crystal clear. DOE's failure to update the 16 appliance and equipment standards that were adopted and finalized during the Obama administration violates its statutory obligations under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

I can't think of anything really right now that is more important and has the potential of getting bipartisan support...

Frankly, unless I am shown otherwise, I am going to assume that 'in development' means that the Department hasn't done anything.

I think that we really need to see some action now to update and finalize these critical efficiency standards because they save consumers money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Trashing this significant standard will allow inefficient products to remain on the market and increase consumers' electricity bills.