Reps. Blackburn & Schrader Introduce Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act

Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) yesterday introduced H.R. 5027, the Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act to increase transparency and cost-effectiveness in the development of model energy codes, which set the baseline for energy efficiency in buildings.
“I am pleased to be working with Congressman Schrader in this bi-partisan effort to more clearly define what technical assistance the Department of Energy (DOE) can provide in developing the code, guaranteeing that certain products and technologies are not given an unfair advantage, and ensuring that our private sector developers see a greater return on their investments,” Blackburn said. “This strikes a proper cost-benefit balance by promoting the development of efficiency targets for buildings, while ensuring that home owners and builders are not burdened by unreasonable regulations. Additionally, hard-working taxpayers are protected by a provision preventing federal funds from being used to advance code revisions proposed by special interest groups.”
“Ensuring the federal government is working for businesses and homeowners, and not against them, in helping to promote energy efficient buildings is the right policy approach, and the Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act will do just that,” said Schrader. “The effect of this legislation will simultaneously protect our environment and save money in the long run, and that’s the sort of commonsense that I wish we saw more of in Congress. I look forward to working with Rep. Blackburn to see this bill through to the finish line.”
John Floyd, principal of Ole South Properties in Nashville, TN praised Blackburn and Schrader for their efforts stating: “This bill will help ensure that new homes become increasingly energy efficient, but not at a pace that the market cannot bear. Our buyers want to be assured that the additional cost comes with a reasonable payback so they can recoup the money they spent.”
Read this original document at: http://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387109