Nashua Telegraph-Shaheen's Energy Efficiency Strategy Passes Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

News Article

By Maryalice Gill

The energy efficiency and job creation strategy proposed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Rob Portman (R-OH) passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with strong bipartisan support Thursday.

The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 (S.1000) passed 18-3 with support from both parties, just two months after it was introduced in early May.

The legislation provides an affordable and effective way to promote economic growth and create jobs. It contains a package of low-cost tools that reduce barriers for businesses, homeowners and consumers looking to adopt off-the-shelf energy efficiency technologies that save money.

"With rising energy costs and too many Americans still looking for jobs, our country can't afford to wait to pass a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy. This bipartisan plan will make our economy more competitive and create private sector jobs today, while also addressing our nation's energy challenges," Shaheen said in a statement. "I am confident the tremendous momentum we have already seen will continue and I look forward to the support of my colleagues in the Senate."

U.S. commercial and residential buildings consume 40 percent of all energy used, and the U.S. industrial sector consumes more energy than any other sector of the economy. The federal government is the largest single energy consumer in the country. The Shaheen-Portman bill targets efficiencies in all three areas.

Source