Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Senators Kerry and Boxer Introduce Legislation to Fight Global Climate Change, Create Jobs

Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer have introduced the Kerry-Boxer legislation to create clean energy jobs, reduce pollution, and protect American security by enhancing domestic energy production, and staving off global climate change.

The legislation is expected to help cut carbon pollution and stimulate the economy by creating millions of jobs in the clean energy sector.

Senator Kerry said the legislation is valuable because it puts Americans back in charge of their energy future and reinvents the way America uses energy.

Senator Boxer added that clean energy is the path to strong, stable economic growth and added that America must seize this opportunity before others move ahead. Senator Boxer added that global warming and economic recovery is our generation’s challenge.

EPA and DOE Partner to Promote ENERGY STAR

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy are coming together to improve awareness of ENERGY STAR.

This combined effort will feature expanded coverage, regular updates, revitalized efforts on product testing, and the acknowledgement of super efficient products.

A Governing Council made up of the EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation and the DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will coordinate communication to outside stakeholders such as Congress, the Administration, and the public. The Governing Council will also hold stakeholder meetings twice annually.

Furthermore, DOE will support EPA by monitoring and verifying test procedure compliance and developing Federal test procedures and metrics.

EPA will serve as the brand manager when ENERGY STAR is applied to whole buildings. This includes marketing, outreach, monitoring and verification along with performance levels, which will be established according to established and consistent principles for the ENERGY STAR brand. DOE will support EPA in monitoring and verifying compliance.

Obama Administration Provides $106 Million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said more than $106 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to nine states.

The money is intended to support energy efficiency and conservation. Under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states will implement programs aimed at lowering energy usage, reducing carbon pollution, and creating local green jobs.

States receiving funding today include: Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.