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May 9, 2013
On May 8, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S.761) , also known as the "Shaheen-Portman" bill. S.761 authorizes appropriations to improve energy efficiency in commercial, residential and federal buildings, supply chains and industrial operations.
The bill would support state, local and tribal compliance with current residential and commercial model energy codes, as well as the development of stretch codes and advanced standards. S.761 would also boost cooperation among building and manufacturing groups in federal agencies, national laboratories, and the private sector. The legislation would establish a DOE Supply Star program in coordination with Energy Star, which would recognize companies and products that "use highly efficient supply chains in a manner that conserves energy, water, and other resources." The Committee-approved bill includes a new provision to help states establish or expand private-sector financing programs for commercial building efficiency retrofits.
During the mark-up in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Committee Chairman Wyden (D-OR) remarked that bills like S.761 are "points on the board against climate change." Buildings consume 72 percent of U.S. electricity, so even the modest energy efficiency improvements envisioned in S.761 – collecting the “low-hanging fruit” as it were – have the potential for a broad impact on energy usage by reducing energy waste.
The bill has bipartisan support, as well as the support of a range of organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Natural Resources Defense Council. S.761 is now available to be considered by the full Senate. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives ( H.R. 1616 ).
Author: Laura Small
Sources:
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity