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Donald Trump has announced plans to “make America’s showers great again” by relaxing regulations that limit water flow, according to a recent White House statement.
The former president has instructed the Secretary of Energy to reverse an Obama-era rule that restricted multi-nozzle showerheads to a maximum combined output of 2.5 gallons of water per minute. The administration argues that this regulation was part of a “radical green agenda” that negatively impacted the daily lives of Americans. Trump himself has publicly expressed frustration about the time it takes to wet his hair in a shower, calling the situation “ridiculous.”
Consumer advocates and environmental groups, however, have warned that loosening these restrictions could lead to unnecessary water waste. Organizations like the Appliance Standards Awareness Project have emphasized that the efficiency standards established over thirty years ago save water and energy, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment.
The current federal law governing showerheads, established in 1992, prohibits a flow rate exceeding 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) per minute. In 2010, President Obama updated the definition as part of an Energy Conservation Program, requiring that the water flow cap apply to the total output rather than each individual nozzle. This change aimed to enhance water efficiency in homes across the country.
During his presidency, Trump attempted to revise this rule, proposing that each nozzle be allowed to produce 2.5 gallons per minute. However, this initiative was halted by President Joe Biden upon taking office.
The Biden administration characterized their regulatory approach as a “war on water pressure,” arguing that Americans should have the freedom to choose the types of showerheads they wish to install without federal interference, especially since they are paying for the water they use.
Trump is now advocating for a return to the original intent of the 1992 law’s definition of ‘showerhead.’ The White House fact sheet states that this order will liberate consumers from stringent regulations that have complicated a simple household appliance. “No longer will showerheads be weak and worthless,” the fact sheet asserts.
The order will take effect 30 days after the Secretary of Energy publishes a notice to rescind the current definition. In a recent Oval Office signing ceremony, Trump reiterated his discontent, remarking that it is “ridiculous” to spend excessive time under the water just to wash his hair, a sentiment he has previously echoed.
In 2020, he expressed similar frustrations about inadequate water flow, emphasizing the need for his hair to look “perfect.”
As this proposal moves forward, the debate over water conservation and consumer rights is likely to intensify, highlighting the ongoing tension between regulatory measures and individual preferences in home fixtures.
Source
www.bbc.com