When the GAO is able to submit false information to gain certification for 15 products that do not even exist, taxpayers must question whether products certified as Energy Star are truly providing an energy savings bang-for-their-buck. Requiring independent third-party verification or even a quick phone call or letter verifying the products authenticity and energy-savings data would have refuted most, if not all of the applications for certification. Taxpayers looking to lower their overall energy costs rely on the Energy Star program to help them make informed decisions. With government agencies increasingly required to purchase energy-efficient products and $300 million in stimulus money allocated to state rebate programs on energy efficient products, taxpayers cannot afford such lax standards.
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