Carter proposes bipartisan bill to allow use of fossil fuels in federal buildings

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) on May 10 sponsored a bipartisan bill that he said would remove a current ban on the use of fossil fuels in federal buildings to allow the improved implementation of energy efficiency targets.

“The federal government is the single largest consumer of electricity in the United States,” Rep. Carter said on Monday. “Unfortunately, current law prohibits common-sense measures to make buildings more efficient and more cost-effective.”

Rep. Carter introduced the All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act, H.R. 2664, with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) to improve the overall energy efficiency in federal buildings, according to the congressional record.

Rep. Carter said H.R. 2664 would give federal facility managers more options for meeting efficiency goals and would save money for American taxpayers.

“Our legislation will put in place attainable, realistic targets while providing the flexibility needed to lower energy usage and save taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Carter.

If enacted, H.R. 2664 also would extend an expired federal building energy efficiency improvement target at a rate of 2.5 percent per year until reaching 20 percent in 2027; update energy codes and ensure they are based on the most recent codes; reduce energy audits for well-managed buildings; and permit the U.S. Department of Energy to define major renovations through an open comment process, among numerous other provisions included in a summary provided by Rep. Carter’s office.

The legislation is supported by several companies and organizations, including the Edison Electric Institute, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, the American Gas Association, the American Public Gas Association, the American Public Power Association, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Siemens Corp. USA.

H.R. 2664 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.