September 18, 2013

Senators Warren, Crapo Call for Energy Efficiency Study

Amendment Would Require Department of Energy to Conduct Study to Quantify Cost Savings, Increasing Use of Energy Efficiency Technologies

New England Clean Energy Council, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Alliance to Save Energy, and Numerous Energy Efficiency Companies Urge Senate to Pass Amendment

 

Washington, DC - Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) have introduced a bipartisan amendment directing the U.S. Department of Energy to quantify the cost savings from operational energy efficiency technologies in an effort to increase public and private use ofthese technologies, without creating any new programs or increasing government spending. The amendment is being offered as part of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness ("ESIC") Act, introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

Today, a coalition of industry supporters, including the New England Clean Energy Council, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Alliance to Save Energy, and numerous companies that work on energy efficiency issues, sent a letter to Senate leadership urging the adoption of the amendment.

"Energy efficiency technologies help protect the environment, save companies' and taxpayer money and create new jobs," said Senator Warren. "We know this technology works, and I'm pleased to offer this bipartisan amendment with Senator Crapo, which will document its cost savings and help increase its use in both the public and private sectors."

"Increasing our nation's energy efficiency must remain a high priority," said Senator Crapo. "This amendment will help encourage greater industry participation by proving that the savings are real through an accurate cost-benefit analysis."

Operational energy efficiency technologies allow manufacturing and other facilities to monitor their energy use and operate at optimal efficiency. The Department of Energy's quantification of energy and cost savings through this study will help encourage industry to embrace these cost-saving energy efficiency tools. The amendment is a key piece of the ESIC, which would promote low-cost technologies to create jobs, lower pollution, save money, and make the country more energy efficient.

 

For additional information, visit these links:

·         Full text of the Warren-Crapo Amendment

·         Fact Sheet on the Warren-Crapo Amendment

·         Complete List of Industry Endorsements

·         Fact Sheet on Shaheen-Portman Energy Bill

 

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