Energy efficiency serves as pillar of Architecture of Abundance plan

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) spoke on Wednesday about the House of Representative’s success in advancing legislation that would promote energy efficiency.

Upton, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the energy-efficiency measures have stalled because “the Senate has sadly failed to hold a single vote.”

Energy efficiency and conservation plays a main role in the committee’s Architecture of Abundance energy plan because energy efficiency is regarded as one of the easiest ways to conserve energy, lower costs and advance energy security.

“As part of our commitment to a true ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy, we have come together and passed bill after bill to harness new technologies, create clean energy jobs and encourage more efficient ways of utilizing energy,” Upton said. “These bipartisan measures will help reduce U.S. energy demands, lower costs and save taxpayer dollars. My hope is that (Sen.) Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and the Senate will finally embrace the House’s success so we can see these bills become law. Let’s build upon our record of results.”

In March, the House advanced the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act, a legislative package that would use a market-driven approach to promote energy and cost savings. The measure would establish voluntary programs and guidelines that aim to enhance information sharing and offer cost-effective solutions to lessen energy demands.

In June, the House advanced the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act and the Thermal Insulation Efficiency Improvement Act.