Senators give go-ahead to Shaheen-Portman bill
May 7, 2014 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
Senators have given the green light to the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill with a bipartisan vote of 79-20, moving the bill on to the Senate floor after a long, painstaking three years. The bill's original introduction date was May 16, 2011.
The House of Representatives has already passed portions of the bill and could consider additional energy efficiency legislation if the Senate acts. "[The bill's] journey has been one of building stronger bipartisan support for making energy efficiency the 'first fuel' for the American economy," said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. "The leadership and determination of the bill's sponsors, Alliance honorary vice-chairs Senators Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Portman (R-Ohio), has put energy efficiency in its rightful spot as a centerpiece of sound national energy policy." If passed, proponents claim that the legislation will help meet increasing energy demands, promote economic growth, enhance energy security, and reduce emissions -- all at little cost to taxpayers and with no mandates. "The legislation is supported by policymakers at both ends of the political spectrum, as well as a broad coalition of small and large businesses, trade associations, and public interest groups," said Callahan. "Our policymakers may not agree on much, but this lopsided vote reaffirms, once again, that energy efficiency is a common sense way to address our nation's energy challenges. The alliance urges the Senate to act without delay and pass this cost-effective, bipartisan legislation." For more:
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