Portman-Shaheen Energy Efficiency Bill Reintroduced In Senate

As the 115th Congress gets underway, Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have reintroduced the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, better known as Portman-Shaheen. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Portman-Shaheen was introduced in the previous three congresses with bipartisan support. The bill is aimed at using low-cost tools to make it easier for private sector energy users to become more efficient while also making the country's largest energy user - the federal government - more efficient.

The bill is focused on Buildings, Manufacturers, and the Federal Government:

Buildings

Strengthens national model building codes to make new homes and commercial buildings more energy efficient while working with states and private industry to make the code-writing process more transparent. Trains the next generation of workers in energy-efficient commercial building design and operation through university-based Building Training and Research Assessment Centers. Streamlines available federal energy efficiency programs and financing to help improve efficiency and lower energy costs for schools. Requires all federal agency issues, insured, purchased, or securitized home mortgages to account for energy efficiency in the mortgage appraisal/underwriting process. Manufacturers

Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to work closely with private sector partners to encourage research, development, and commercialization of innovative energy efficient technology and processes...

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