Trump's killing of Energy Star program will cost families a bundle

The federal Energy Star program is among the most successful government initiatives in modern history.

It sets efficiency specifications for products ranging from dishwashers to entire homes.

The program has saved American families and businesses more than half a trillion dollars in energy costs.

Losing Energy Star could have a range of effects for consumers.

“I don’t think they expected this kind of pushback,” said Steve Nadel , executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy .

The move could also face legal challenges, he said, pointing to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 as one possible roadblock.