As the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Massachusetts can be contacted regarding this news release.
BOSTON—At a hearing
today in the State House, the Legislature's Joint Committee on Energy issued
a favorable report on a bill that would save consumers and businesses in the
Commonwealth about $1.5 billion between now and 2020 through the adoption of
new energy efficiency standards for nine commonly-used products. A similar bill
was passed recently by the Maryland legislature, and seven other states throughout
the Northeast are also considering the legislation.
The bill would set minimum
efficiency standards for everyday products that currently waste large amounts
of electricity, such as traffic lights, exit signs, cable boxes, and six other
commercial or residential appliances. In addition to the dollar savings on electricity
bills, the legislation would also reduce the need for electricity in the future,
enough to displace the need for a mid-sized new power plant.
"The energy committee
deserves thanks from anyone who pays an electricity bill," said Frank Gorke,
energy advocate for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. "This
legislation provides a reasonable, effective way to reduce electricity bills
while also protecting the environment and enhancing reliability of the electricity
grid."
Currently there are federal
efficiency standards for a number of products on the market, like refrigerators
and air conditioners. But the federal program has not kept pace with technology,
so several states are taking the lead and considering bills that would set state
standards for products not currently regulated. A federal court recently struck
down an attempt by Bush administration officials to weaken existing air conditioner
standards.
"Going back nearly
20 years, the Massachusetts legislature has been a leader in supporting public
policies for energy efficiency," noted Susan Coakley, executive director
of Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. "In keeping with that tradition,
the Energy Committee today showed its commitment to the people of the Commonwealth
by supporting a policy measure that saves energy, enhances our economy, shores
up our electricity grid and protects our environment."
State Representative Paul
Demakis is the original sponsor of the legislation. House Chairman John Binienda,
Senate Chairman Robert O'Leary, and committee members Representative Matthew
Patrick and Representative James Marzilli led the effort to pass the bill. It
will now likely be referred to other committees in the legislature.
For more
information, including on the effort to pass the bill in other states, also
contact:
National Consumer Law Center, Charlie Harak, (617) 542-8010
Appliance Standards Awareness Project, Andrew deLaski, (617) 363-9470
Environment-Northeast, David Marshall, (603) 428-8114
