In a presidential memo, Barack Obama has urged the US Energy department to adopt higher efficiency standards for household appliances -- a move opposed for years by George Bush. The directive applies to some 30 household and commercial electrical items including ovens, lamps, micrwoaves, dishwashers and air conditioners.

The Guardian reports that Congress has been pushing for nearly three decades for higher standards on household products such as water heaters and refrigerators. But the energy department has regularly missed deadlines for imposing the new standards. The White House said the energy savings from the changes would save Americans $500bn on their electricity bills. That's worth having!