Libertarian principles state that government regulation should not influence the production and sale of goods for consumption and purchase by peaceful and honest people.  One industry that is particularly hassled by the Feds is the refrigeration industry, which constantly faces legal and regulatory restrictions in its attempts to sell cheap refrigerators at reasonable prices.

One particularly irksome requirement is that imposed by the Department of Energy concerning the energy efficiency requirements of fridge freezers.  Manufacturers whom produce these appliances are forced to comply with ever shifting minimum efficiency levels – as defined by the Energy Star program.

While I would not argue that lowering energy consumption is necessarily a bad thing, I do not believe it should be the governments’ role to encourage this.  Engineering a refrigerator or freezer to be more efficient increases the price of the unit from the factory, thus increasing the overall prices of these appliances when sold to the costumers.

I believe – in compliance with Libertarian beliefs – that consumers should be permitted to decide whether they wish to pay more up front for the potential electricity savings to be had from more energy efficient refrigerators.  It is not the governments’ role to make that decision for the citizens of our country.

The creeping scope of rules imposed by Congress and Federal Agencies has made its way into every corner of our lives.   Do you want to drive a car?  You must pay for the privilege of a license.  Do you want to buy a car?  Good luck finding the model you want if it doesn’t match up with the governments’ idea of what is appropriate for you (mileage, number of air bags, etc…)

Looking at the refrigeration industry in isolation it may seem alarmist to worry about its effects on our personal liberties.  However, taking the big picture it can clearly be seen as a symptom of big government intruding ever more deeply into our lives.