U.S. sales of major appliances have been sliding for three years, with shipments down 10% last year and 15% so far this year, according to the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers . The program “will provide consumers a unique opportunity to save money on energy-efficient appliances,” said Dave McCalpin, chief marketing officer for GE Appliances. He said Fairfield, Conn.-based GE is working with state governments to adopt rebate programs that rely on Energy Star ratings. Some sta