Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Yesterday, Senator Mike Lee (R-AZ) introduced a bill that would roll back existing energy efficiency standards and prevent the Department of Energy from updating existing or implementing new strong efficiency standards. The bill would result in energy waste, adding extra strain to the grid and raising energy prices.
The bill would end all oversight of air conditioner efficiency, at a time when an uptick in heat waves across the country is leading to increased reliance on cooling. It would also separate fossil fuel-fired and electric appliances in different categories so inefficient gas furnaces and not be compared to very efficient heat pumps, as one example.
In addition, the bill would dramatically expand the ability of the federal government to block state and local laws designed to protect public health.
In reaction, Director of Sierra Club’s Clean Heat Campaign Srinidhi Sampath Kumar:
“This bill would hurt people who are already facing high utility bills and who want to lower those bills as well as the pollution in their homes by installing efficient appliances. By making it virtually impossible to update efficiency standards for appliances as best in-class technologies become available, this bill is nothing but a handout to the fossil fuel industry.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.