SEIA Urges Action on Energy Efficiency Legislation

Washington, D.C. – With momentum now building in the Senate, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says it’s time to finally pass energy efficiency legislation in Congress. Today, SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement:

“Improved energy efficiency should be a national priority. Today, there’s a never-ending list of low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies which can improve energy efficiency and pay for themselves over a short period time. 

“The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, also known as Shaheen-Portman, will help to reduce our nation’s energy bill, improve our economic competitiveness, create new American jobs, and enhance U.S. energy security. That’s a win-win in anyone’s book.

“As the second largest consumer of energy in the world – second only to China – it’s critically important for the United States to improve energy efficiency. Take the use of computers, for example. By some estimates, a typical computer uses between 65 to 250 watts, while a monitor burns another 35 to 80 watts. Multiply that by 310 million computers spread across the United States, and you’re looking at a tremendous amount of electricity used every single day – just to power our computers!

“Among other common-sense measures, Shaheen-Portman requires the federal government, as the largest energy user in the United States, to come up with new energy-saving features for its computers.  This will not only save energy – but also taxpayers’ money.

“From improved building efficiency, to increased R & D, to government cost-saving programs, Shaheen-Portman is a balanced, pragmatic approach to getting the biggest bang for our buck when it comes to energy. We encourage the Senate to pass this important legislation.”

About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

Media Contacts:
Jamie Nolan, jnolan@seia.org, 202.556.2886
Ken Johnson, kjohnson@seia.org, 202-556-2885

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