The government is way behind in creating energy efficiency standards that could save consumers billions of dollars and greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to the AP.

In recent years, Congress has passed laws requiring the Department of Energy to set new regulations for making 34 types of appliances more energy efficient, but the DOE hasn't met a single deadline. These energy efficiency regulations -- many of which are more than 10 years overdue -- would require makers of appliances including washing machines, heat pumps and air conditioners to use less electricity.

Even for the government, going 0 for 34 is an inexcusable slump. Millions of tons of carbon are now in the atmosphere because the DOE isn't doing its job.

Much of the talk about addressing climate change and reducing emissions focuses on either developing alternative energy sources or conservation by changing consumer behaviors. However, getting efficient appliances into the hands of business and consumers can have an even larger impact because consumers won't have to change their lifestyles -- just plug the smarter appliances in, and let them do less work.