An amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act (EPMA), S.2012, to implement energy savings projects at federal facilities authored by U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) was unanimously approved by the Senate on Monday.
Currently, federal audits are required to outline energy savings projects for federal facilities that are aimed at reducing energy consumption and saving tax dollars. Such changes, however, are not required to be implemented.
Under Gardner’s amendment, such energy saving projects could be paid for by energy savings performance contracts or utility energy savings contracts. The contracts give private companies the ability to use private dollars to make energy efficiency upgrades to federal buildings.
“I’m pleased the Senate approved this commonsense amendment, which will both increase energy efficiency and save hardworking taxpayers’ dollars,” Gardner said. “It strengthens the Energy Policy Modernization Act, a much-needed bipartisan, comprehensive overhaul of our energy policy, and I look forward to its passage on the Senate floor.”
Gardner’s bipartisan amendment was cosponsored by Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
The Energy Policy Modernization Act is the largest piece of energy legislation to be considered since 2007. It focuses on modernizing the nation’s energy infrastructure and improving energy efficiency. Introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the legislation received an overwhelming bipartisan vote in September when it passed out of committee by an 18-4 vote and is currently being debated on the Senate floor.