New government rules now require washing machines to use 21 percent less electricity. But as noted in a recent Consumer Reports survey, this new efficiency edict has unintendedly soiled the cleaning effectiveness of today’s top loaders. Comments Sam Kazman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute: “New government energy rules have ruined home washing machines. According to Consumer Reports, you now have to spend $1,000 for a really good model. Yet Congress may make these rules even stricter. For every appliance under the sun. If government can ruin washing machines, imagine the damage they’ll do to our cars! Want to protest? Send your underwear to the Undersecretary of Energy in Washington D.C.”