Will the third time be the charm for action on this common sense energy efficiency legislation?

Remaining unfazed by Washington gridlock, Senators Portman (R-Oh.) and Shaheen (D-N.H.) reintroduced a new version of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (Portman-Shaheen) today. This is the third congress in which a version of the bill has been introduced and the Alliance to Save Energy – and hundreds of other businesses and NGOs– are hoping the third time is the charm.

“Alliance Honorary Chair Shaheen and First Vice-Chair Portman should be applauded for their dogged pursuit of common sense, cost-effective, bipartisan legislation that will grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.  Further delay in passage of Portman-Shaheen simply robs American families and businesses of the energy and cost savings this bill will deliver. The Senate needs to act now to pass this important legislation.” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.

Portman-Shaheen closely resembles S. 2262 and contains provisions that will increase U.S. energy productivity, enhance energy security, reduce emissions and promote economic growth. It is estimated that by 2030 the bill will create 192,000 jobs, produce energy savings worth $16.2 billion annually and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 95 million metric tons.

Timing of the reintroduction is ideal, as energy efficiency has been a focal point of debate and received broad support in the new Congress, as evidenced by inclusion of energy efficiency amendments in Keystone XL earlier this year. The Alliance urges the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate leadership to build on this early support and act swiftly to pass this legislation through committee and take it to the Senate floor.