A Statement from Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan

“Several weeks after passing the Senate on a bipartisan and unanimous vote, S. 535, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, attains the honor today of being the very first energy bill that the  114^th Congress will send to the President for his signature into law.

“Energy efficiency has consistently been shown to be an issue both sides of the aisle can agree upon, and today’s outcome demonstrates that policymakers recognize the important benefits provided by efficiency, at little or no cost to taxpayers. The Alliance is hopeful this House action will be a key turning point for consideration of energy efficiency legislation, and will help open the gates for the bipartisan passage of other efficiency bills that have been introduced so far this year.

“S. 535 will reduce energy use in the built environment, which is the largest-consuming energy sector in the U.S. economy. Once signed into law by President Obama, the bill will create new jobs, reduce CO₂ emissions, while yielding approximately $4.6 billion in annual energy savings by the year 2030.

“After working tirelessly for four years to pass this bill, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Alliance’s Honorary Chair, and Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Alliance’s Honorary Vice-Chair, have proven their resolute commitment to creating jobs, growing the economy and protecting the environment through strong efficiency policy. The Alliance is confident the passage of S. 535 will set the stage for energy efficiency policies to play a prominent role in the comprehensive energy bills currently being developed by committees in both chambers.”