"Energy Dept. Reverses Decision, Saving Over 1,000 Jobs in Power Grid Industry"
The Biden administration has revised a proposed rule to raise energy-efficiency standards for transformers after facing backlash from manufacturers and lawmakers. The finalized proposal almost completely reverses the initial rule, giving companies five years to comply and allowing the use of traditional electrical steel in at least 75% of new transformers. While the new standards will still improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, environmentalists criticize the decision to loosen the regulation, while industry groups and lawmakers commend the revised rule for balancing energy costs, national security, and job protection.