BCSE Statement on Senate Passage of Energy Modernization Act, S.2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2016

Contact: Laura Tierney
Email: [email protected]
Office: 202.785.0507

Clean Energy Businesses Praise Tireless Commitment to Move Energy Legislation
Support Hydropower and Energy Efficiency Provisions

Washington, DC - The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) released the following statement from President Lisa Jacobson regarding Senate passage of the Energy Modernization Act, S.2012.“Chair Lisa Murkowski, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, and their staff, have been tireless in their efforts and commitment to move energy legislation this Congress. We applaud Senators Murkowski and Cantwell as well as Senate Leadership for scheduling a vote on this important bill today, and we look forward to working with the conference committee to finalize the legislation this year.

“Clean energy industries in the areas of energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy are the growth sectors of the US energy economy. Together, they provide a portfolio of resources that affordably and reliably serve the country’s energy needs. The Energy Modernization Act includes provisions in these areas and BCSE is particularly pleased that hydropower relicensing reforms and energy efficiency measures are included in the bill.

“According to the 2016 edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, renewable energy is a prominent part (20%) of the US 2015 power fleet, with 222GW of installed capacity across the country, a 57% increase over 2008 levels, resulting in a diverse electricity portfolio that is reliable and reduces emissions and costs. At a time when we need renewable, affordable, and reliable energy, the United States needs an updated, more efficient regulatory process and the hydropower provisions in the Senate energy legislation will move us in the right direction.

“The Factbook also shows that investment in energy efficiency continues to pay dividends for the US economy. The energy efficiency provisions in the energy bill are another example of positive improvements to continue and expand federal energy efficiency policy in order to link technology development to commercialization and value for U.S. taxpayers as we shift toward a modernized grid.

“The Council is pleased the Senate agreed to include the Sensible Accounting to Value Energy Act, or SAVE Act, as part of the energy legislation. With no federal budget costs, mandates, or bureaucracies, the SAVE Act would bring transparency, accuracy, and security to the home appraisal and mortgage underwriting processes, help finance energy efficient homes and retrofits, and create vitally needed jobs in local markets.”

Download the full press statement here.