Sens. Portman, Shaheen introduce bill to encourage energy-efficient construction

A bill designed to encourage energy-efficient construction of new homes and buildings was introduced in the U.S. Senate this week.

The legislation was introduced through an amendment to the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act that would add language related to model building energy codes that encourages energy-efficient construction. The amendment has been approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It will save energy and save consumers an estimated $41.4 billion on their energy bills and also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.18 billion metric tons.

“This bipartisan amendment will ensure that American consumers see the significant savings on their energy bills that they deserve from homes and buildings across America that are built in a more energy-efficient manner. Our amendment, while not mandatory for any state, local government, or tribe, would protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions equivalent to taking 3.1 million cars off the road each year for 30 years. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment to lower energy costs for consumers while protecting our environment,” Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), who sponsored the bill with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

The provision has the support of industry leaders, energy efficiency experts, and environmental activists.

“Energy efficiency is the cheapest and fastest way to approach our economy’s energy independence,” Shaheen said. “That’s why Senator Portman and I have kept up the fight to get our bill—the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act – across the finish line. While we’ve been successful in getting parts of this legislation signed into law, one of the most important aspects of our bipartisan bill has yet to clear the final hurdle. That’s why today, Senator Portman and I are filing this amendment that would enhance voluntary building codes to make new homes and commercial buildings more energy-efficient. This legislation would prevent an estimated 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions and produce over $41 billion in energy cost savings by 2050.”