Thanks to ASHRAE for the story:
States have often been thought of as the laboratories of democracy, and it is in this vein that the U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy recently held a hearing to examine lessons for federal policy from state efficiency and renewable energy programs.
During the hearing witnesses spoke about the impact of state programs, as well as federal programs, such as the State Energy Program, on building energy efficiency.
Additionally, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) spoke about the importance of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, which they first introduced over three years ago, and has since become the most significant energy efficiency legislation in Congress, garnering wide support from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as stakeholder organizations, including ASHRAE. This bill has undergone significant changes since its initial introduction in the Senate, and will likely be reintroduced in the coming weeks.
The new version will include incorporate several amendments that have achieved widespread support.
To view witness testimony and an archived webcast of the hearing, please visit http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings-and-business-meetings