LG Electronics is suing the U.S. Department of Energy for forcing it to remove Energy Star labels from three refrigerator models, the company said Sunday. The labels indicate degrees of energy efficiency. LG filed the suit with the District Court of Columbia.

The products concerned are refrigerators with the ice bin not in the freezer but the refrigerator compartment. When it launched the models, LG earned Energy Star certification in compliance with relevant regulations, but the DOE then decided on new standards and notified LG that unless it meets them it will have to remove the label by Jan. 2.

"To implement new standards, the test methods must be publicized and the industry needs to be consulted," LG said. "Even after the announcement of new standards, a grace period of 270 days must be given" and the DOE failed to do this.