Energy efficiency bill reintroduced in the US
April 27, 2013Federal lawmakers take on energy efficiency
Energy efficiency will again be thrust into the limelight in the U.S. Federal lawmakers have reintroduced a legislation that is designed to expedite the switch from traditional fossil-fuels to renewable energy, bolstering an energy efficient economy. The bill, which was reintroduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Rob Portman, will help promote energy efficiency throughout the country by making energy saving technologies and services more available to consumers and businesses. Thus far, the legislation has received strong support from both the Republican and Democrat parties.
Legislation aims to develop economic promise through a focus on energy efficiency
The legislation is called the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. The U.S. already has aggressive energy efficiency standards in place, but many lawmakers believe that these standards can be expanded upon to create a more favorable economic climate throughout the country. According to Franz Matzner, associate director of government affairs for the Natural Resources Defense Council has emerged as a strong supporter of the legislation, claiming that the least expensive energy available to the U.S. is that which is not being used.
US may become less reliant on foreign sources of power
Energy efficiency could help the U.S. save a significant level of electrical power that is currently being wasted. Matzner suggests that the country is home to vast potential in the realm of energy efficiency. If the country can tap into this potential, the U.S. would be able to make better use of the energy resources that are currently available to it. This would mean that the U.S. would not be pressed to invest heavily in new renewable energy systems or rely on foreign sources of power.
Legislation meant to provide financial backing behind energy efficiency
The legislation is designed to tackle the issue of energy efficiency on a variety of fronts. If the legislation is successful, it will help establish a framework wherein states will be able to promote energy efficiency internally. The legislation is also expected to introduce financial incentives designed to encourage the adoption of energy efficient practices among businesses.