Washington, DC - Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks today at a Subcommittee on Energy markup of “H.R. 3477, Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act:"
Today we are marking up H.R. 3477, the Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act, introduced by Representative Hudson.
The stated purpose of the legislation is to align the current 2019 compliance deadline for the ceiling fan light kits standard with a separate standard for ceiling fans set for 2020. H.R. 3477 extends the compliance deadline for the rule amending the standards for ceiling fan light kits to Jan. 21, 2020 so they both occur at the same time.
The Department of Energy has determined that increasing efficiency standards for ceiling fan light kits would conserve more energy, while also being economically feasible. At the time of our hearing on this legislation, I said that it was a bill that seems to have no opposition. That is a little surprising considering that new standards for these kits will save money, and reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, I believe that the sooner they are in place, the better for consumers and our environment. Yet, while I have heard some concern voiced by smaller retailers, I have heard very little from the environmental community.
H.R. 3477 enjoys support from both sides of the aisle on this committee, and its Senate companion passed by unanimous consent. Therefore, I expect the bill will move quickly today, paving the way for swift markup by the full committee in the near future.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.
