Bill to establish energy efficiency standards introduced in Senate
A bill that would establish a national energy efficiency standard was introduced in the U.S. Senate last week.
The American Energy Efficiency Act of 2019 would ask retail electric and national gas utilities to achieve energy savings of 22 percent and 14 percent respectively by 2035.
Currently, 26 states have established such standards.
“One of the immediate actions necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce the amount of energy we use—more energy efficiency,” Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “This bill will significantly improve our collective efforts to increase energy efficiency nationwide by building upon the good work that states are already doing.”
Sens. Angus King (I-ME) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) also sponsored the bill.
“Energy efficiency is the unsung hero when it comes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions because no matter how great our technological advancements are, the cheapest, cleanest kilowatt-hour will always be the one that is never used,” King said. “This bill will reduce costs for consumers, and decrease overall energy consumption – exactly the type of incentives we need to make meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.”
The standards have proven to lower energy usage and costs in the states that have them. With this bill, the Department of Energy would guide the design and implementation of energy efficiency programs. The standards would include a uniform way to measure, verify, and report energy savings achieved.
“Twenty-six states across America, including Oregon, have already taken the lead in requiring electric and natural gas utilities to adopt energy efficiency standards. These moves have proven to be a big win for American families, who are wasting less energy and saving money on their utility bills. It’s time for Congress to introduce a national efficiency standard, so communities across the country can experience those benefits, all while creating jobs in the energy efficiency industry,” Merkley said.
The American Energy Efficiency Act of 2019 is endorsed by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE); Insulators Union; Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Alliance for Industrial Efficiency; Heat is Power; Midwest Cogeneration Association; Clean Air Task Force, National Wildlife Federation (NWF); Third Way Clean Energy; and Fresh Energy among others.
