Thursday, June 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation aiming to increase the use of energy efficiency technologies in appliance and building codes has the potential to save consumers billions of dollars in energy costs in the coming years, writes Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, in a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The letter comes as the committee prepares to hold a Thursday hearing regarding energy efficiency legislation, including The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 1000) introduced by Senators Shaheen and Portman.
“At a time when many families and business owners are struggling to balance their checkbooks, this bipartisan effort to advance the use of energy efficiency technologies in homes and businesses will allow consumers to cut their energy costs while preserving consumer choice and affordability,” said Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel for Consumers Union. “With the improvements proposed in this legislation, there is huge potential to save consumers billions of dollars on their energy bills and improve comfort and quality construction in their homes.”
The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act builds on the success from current standards for several major appliances and includes consensus standards on outdoor lighting, residential heating and cooling systems, residential appliances, and other appliance products. It also advances model building energy codes and provides needed technical assistance and enforcement tools. Currently, buildings consume 72% of electricity and 40% of all energy used in the United States.
Baker-Branstetter said, “Consumers Union is a strong proponent of efficiency standards and is pleased to endorse the residential consumer savings provisions of this bill. We commend you for bringing this and other important efficiency bills before the Committee for its consideration.”
The hearing on the Energy Saving and Industrial Competitiveness Act and additional energy efficiency initiatives is scheduled for 9:30 AM. For more information, please visit www.energy.senate.gov.
Contact:
David Butler, Kara Kelber: 202-462-6262