WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today approved two bills that continue the committee’s efforts to create jobs, build the Architecture of Abundance, and advance energy efficiency as part of an “all-of-the-above" energy strategy.
H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, authored by Energy and Power Subcommittee Vice Chairman Steve Scalise (R-LA), was approved by a vote of 30 to 19. This job-creating legislation is an important component of the Architecture of Abundance, and improves the preconstruction permitting process for new U.S. factories so we can take full advantage of our nation’s abundant energy resources. The bill would require EPA to issue timely guidance for companies to comply with new air quality standards. The result will lead to fewer delays for manufacturing projects and expansions, faster adoption of new air quality standards, and provide a foundation for private investment and good-paying jobs.
“By increasing transparency and holding the EPA accountable, we can jump start a broken permitting process that is holding back our economy, which is good news for hard-working taxpayers," said Scalise. “The men and women who have to live with these radical EPA regulations have been asking for guidance to show them how to come into compliance. If these rules and standards are as good as the EPA says they are, why won’t the agency be transparent and prove how they can be implemented? Instead of arbitrary regulations that will force jobs and higher emissions to countries like China, this bill holds the EPA accountable and provides industry a roadmap as to how to achieve the highest standards through the use of the best science and commercially available technology. This bill takes critical steps toward cutting red tape, reviving our country’s manufacturing base, and creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs for hard-working Americans. I applaud Chairman Upton for bringing this critical bill before the committee."
H.R. 4801, authored by Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), was approved by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation identifies cost-effective opportunities for federal agencies to use energy and water more efficiently. As part of the committee’s all-of-the-above energy approach, H.R. 4801 is a simple and critical step toward achieving tangible energy efficient results. The bill builds upon the committee’s recent success advancing efficiency measures. In April the committee approved H.R. 2689, the Energy Savings Though Public-Private Partnerships Act, and H.R. 4092, the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act. Also in March, the House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 2126, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act.
“This bipartisan bill is a simple step toward saving energy, water, and money at a time when it has never been more important to be smart with both our natural and financial resources. Millions of gallons of water and the energy it takes to heat or cool them are wasted with current practices, but could be saved through the increased use of thermal insulation. With the federal government being the single largest consumer of energy in the country, doing our best to maximize the potential savings from improved insulation systems is a commonsense step I think everybody can agree on," said Kinzinger.
Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “The House has had success in promoting energy efficiency, and it is my hope our approach will be embraced by Harry Reid and the Senate as a path forward to tangible results in advancing efficiency as part of our ‘all-of-the-above’ efforts."
