The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“CODES AND STANDARDS PROGRAM” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Senate section on pages S12109 on Aug. 9, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CODES AND STANDARDS PROGRAM
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, today I rise in support of the Codes and Standards Program as mandated under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Federal appliance efficiency standards were established because manufacturers wanted one federal standard as opposed to 50 different, and perhaps inconsistent, standards.
The consumer benefits from the Codes and Standards program. The program establishes minimum energy conservation standards for a variety of electrical components, electrical consumer goods and building codes.
The effects of the Codes and Standards program are significant. For example, new energy standards for clothes washers have the potential to save consumers up to two-thirds of their current energy and water costs before the end of the decade.
The appliance standards adopted to date will save consumers a net of
$132 billion over the lifetime of the affected products.
What is good for the consumer is good for the industry. The further benefits of this program are: The standards also decrease pressure on utilities to build new power plants; preserve precious natural fuel resources; promote greater water conservation in drought stricken states; make U.S. products more competitive in domestic markets against foreign competition.
I know that the industry has raised significant criticisms of the Department of Energy. As a result, the Department has organized workshops and public meetings with manufacturers to work towards consensus. I support continuing a consensus approach to revising standards.
Today, the Senate has accepted an amendment that will preclude the proposal, issuance or prescription of rules on new or amended appliance and equipment standards for one year. After this limited time period for technical review, I urge my colleagues to remain firmly in support of the Codes and Standards program.
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