Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA)

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) establishes a framework for improving energy conservation and efficiency. It authorises the Department of Energy to set mandatory minimum energy standards for consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment to be sold in the US. It also provides the basis for the Corprorate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards regulating the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. Other provisions of the EPCA includes energy conservation programmes and building strategic petroleum reserves. Over the years, the EPCA has been amended to expand the scope and stringency of standards, but since the start of 2025 the Trump Administration has weakened or rescinded several appliance efficiency standards and decreased the scope of products covered under the EPCA. Rules on certification, labelling, and enforcement have also been overturned by Congress.