US Dept of Energy Deletes Energy Conservation Page During Heatwave
As a severe heatwave impacts the US around July 4, 2026, the Department of Energy has deleted its 'Home Cooling Systems' webpage, which advised on energy-saving thermostat settings. This controversial move follows NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plea for 78°F AC use and highlights conflicting federal and local energy conservation messages amidst temperatures.
Washington D.C., USA – As millions across the central and eastern United States grapple with a severe and prolonged heatwave, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reportedly removed a crucial webpage that provided guidance on energy conservation, including recommendations for thermostat settings. The deletion of the "Home Cooling Systems" page, which advised keeping indoor temperatures between 75-78°F (approximately 24-26°C) during summer days, has raised eyebrows given its timing amidst record-breaking heat and strained power grids.
The webpage, part of the DOE's broader Energy Saver consumer guidance, now returns a "Page not found" message. Archived versions confirm its accessibility through at least late June and early July 2026, suggesting a very recent removal. Newsweek reported on July 3, 2026, contacting the DOE for comment on whether the page was intentionally removed, relocated, or updated, but a public explanation has yet to be provided. Adani Case: US DOJ Defends Dropping Charges, Citing Executive Power.
Unprecedented Heat Strains US
The deletion coincides with a historic heatwave that has placed approximately 102 million Americans under extreme heat warnings and tens of millions more under watches and advisories around the July 4th holiday weekend. Cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Nashville are experiencing heat index values – the 'feels like' temperature accounting for humidity – ranging from 104 to 111°F (40 to 44°C), with some areas forecasting up to 115°F (46°C). The extreme temperatures are pushing electricity grids across the country to their limits, leading to power disruptions, including outages affecting some 60,000 New York residents just days ago.
Mayor Mamdani's Plea and Political Fallout
Adding to the controversy, the removal follows a public plea by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. On July 1, 2026, Mayor Mamdani, who assumed office on January 1, 2026, urged New Yorkers via X (formerly Twitter) to conserve energy by setting their air conditioners to 78°F (approximately 26°C), turning off unused lights and electronics, and unplugging devices.
This call for energy conservation by the Democratic Socialist mayor quickly ignited conservative backlash. Critics, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and figures on Fox News, accused Mamdani of promoting "communism" and overreaching government mandates. Despite the political firestorm, Mamdani's administration expanded emergency heat measures and activated hundreds of cooling centers as the city braced for heat indices potentially reaching 109°F (43°C).
Broader Deregulation Efforts
This particular webpage deletion appears to be part of a larger trend under the current Trump administration to dismantle what it labels as burdensome energy efficiency regulations. Since March 2025, the administration, under Energy Secretary Chris Wright, has been actively withdrawing or postponing various energy conservation standards for home appliances and equipment, citing goals to lower costs and preserve consumer choice. The Department of Energy had also previously restructured, removing offices dedicated to clean energy technologies and efficiency. Toledo Girl Angelique Cunningham Missing After Boat Trip, Babysitter Faces Child Endangerment Charge.
The contrast between federal actions that seemingly de-emphasize energy conservation and the urgent warnings from local officials like Mayor Mamdani underscores a growing disconnect in federal and local responses to climate-driven crises, leaving citizens to navigate conflicting guidance during potentially deadly weather events. The DOE has yet to offer a public statement clarifying the reasons behind the webpage's removal or its stance on energy conservation during peak demand periods.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 11:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
