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Sens. Manchin, Hoeven introduce bill to improve energy efficiency in federal buildings

U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced legislation that would provide flexibility in using a variety of different fuel sources, including natural gas, to make federal buildings more energy efficient.

The All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act would repeal the ban on the use of fossil fuels in federal buildings and allow facility managers to choose a cost-effective energy mix when working to achieve energy efficiency goals.

“Improving our energy efficiency is a common-sense measure to reduce our emissions and work towards cleaner energy solutions. The federal government should be leading the charge in these efforts, and I’m proud to join Senator Hoeven in introducing legislation to ensure our federal buildings are using energy as efficiently as possible,” Manchin said.

Both Manchin and Hoeven sit on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Our bill is a ‘win-win’ for reducing costs and improving environmental stewardship,” Hoeven said. “Burdensome one-size-fits-all rules aren’t realistic or cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency. Our bill takes a common sense approach and provides federal building managers flexibility in sourcing energy so they can reduce energy consumption and cut down on costs.”

The bill would also ensure that major renovations to existing facilities achieve 30 percent less energy use than code, which is the same standard set for new federal buildings.

“This bill provides welcome reforms to federal energy policy by removing the uncertainty surrounding ways to meet future energy needs at federal facilities,” National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson said. “This legislation provides a cohesive and functional federal energy efficiency policy that works for the federal government and its energy providers. I commend Senators Hoeven and Manchin for recognizing the need for energy efficiency improvements at federal buildings alongside the continued use of diverse energy sources. America’s electric cooperatives encourage swift consideration of the legislation.”

The legislation is supported by the American Public Gas Association (APGA); Alliance to Save Energy; Ameresco; American Gas Association; American Public Power Association; Constellation New Energy, Inc.; Edison Electric Institute; Federal Performance; Contracting Coalition; Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association; Johnson Controls Inc.; Lockheed Martin; Noresco; Schneider Electric; Southland Energy; Trane; and UTC.

“APGA is pleased to support the All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2019. This legislation would bring about a much-needed reform to federal energy policy while saving significant taxpayer dollars. Passage of this legislation will allow the continued direct use of natural gas, combined heat and power, and other high-efficiency technologies in federal buildings. This will provide federal building managers with the flexibility they need to improve efficiency while reducing the taxpayer dollars spent on energy costs. APGA looks forward to working with Senator Hoeven, Senator Manchin and other stakeholders towards passage of this legislation,” Bert Kalisch, president and CEO of APGA, said.

Dave Kovaleski

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