Two states, Colorado and New Mexico, are considering bills that would require appliances, including commercial foodservice equipment products, to meet ENERGY STAR program standards.
The bills, Colorado House Bill 23-1161 and New Mexico House Bill 185, would cover items such as commercial dishwashers, fryers, hot-food holding cabinets, ovens, and steam cookers. Colorado passed a similar bill in 2019 that heightened water and energy standards to match then-current ENERGY STAR requirements. The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers was among the industry associations that advocated against the 2019 bill, stating that “while the bill is well-intended and NAFEM’s support for ENERGY STAR is strong, it raises several issues that could undermine this valuable, national program.”
The new bills would bring those state standards up to the ENERGY STAR program’s current requirements. The Colorado House Energy & Environment Committee referred its version of the bill to the Committee on Appropriations earlier this month. The New Mexico version of the bill is being considered by the state legislature’s House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources and Judiciary committees.