New Waste Slashing Energy Legislation Promises Savings, Jobs

By The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2013): Proposed bipartisan energy efficiency legislation has the potential to save the nation billions while creating domestic jobs and reducing energy waste, according to a new analysis released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Energy Savings & Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 (S. 1392) was introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and is pending floor consideration when the Senate returns from recess.

“Energy efficiency is an excellent, bipartisan and affordable way to immediately grow our economy and create the kind of jobs the 21st century economy demands,” said Senator Shaheen. “The bipartisan energy efficiency plan Senator Portman and I have introduced will help address our country’s energy needs in a way that boosts our economy and also saves taxpayers dollars.”

Huge Savings, Stronger Economy, Reduced Greenhouse Emissions

The ACEEE analysis looked at the impacts of several provisions in the bill as well as a group of related amendments under consideration. These provisions cut government and industrial energy waste and help homeowners finance energy efficiency improvements, among other energy-saving measures. ACEEE found that the proposals being considered could, in combination, save consumers and businesses over $65 billion on their energy bills by 2030.

These savings also translate into a stronger economy. Consumers who save money on their energy bills can reinvest this money to buy goods and services where they live, stimulating their local economies. The energy efficiency measures proposed by the legislation would also help create new jobs. Altogether, these provisions would support over 152,000 new jobs in 2025, increasing to 174,000 jobs by 2030.

In addition to providing economic benefits, the provisions would prevent unnecessary electric generation and natural gas consumption. Energy savings from these provisions would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 676 million metric tons by 2030.

Benefits Extend to All Businesses

American businesses have also recognized the importance of the Energy Savings & Industrial Competitiveness Act because cutting down on energy waste improves their bottom line.

“As users of one-third of our nation’s energy, manufacturers are directly affected by the cost of energy, and we believe policies should promote research, development, and deployment of energy-efficient technologies,” said Ross Eisenberg, vice-president of energy and resources policy at the National Association of Manufacturers.  “Manufacturers support the Shaheen-Portman bill, a set of common sense, bipartisan energy efficiency measures that would create jobs by saving energy in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.”

“The Senate should act quickly to pass this important legislation,” said Steven Nadel, ACEEE executive director. “The provisions we analyzed have the power to save consumers money, stimulate the economy, and protect the environment.”Φ

To read the analysis, visit: http://aceee.org/white-paper/shaheen-portman-2013

About ACEEE: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit aceee.org.