LOCAL COMPANY ENERTRAC JOINS SHAHEEN IN CALL FOR ACTION ON BIPARTISAN ENERGY BILL

(Hudson, NH) – New Hampshire energy firm EnerTrac joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today in calling for action on Shaheen’s bipartisan energy efficiency legislation in the Senate. Shaheen toured EnerTrac’s facilities and highlighted how her legislation, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 1000), would help companies like EnerTrac create jobs and increase demand for their products.

Shaheen has strongly urged Senate leadership to call her bill up for a vote and has received broad support from constituents, businesses and energy advocates. Shaheen started an online campaign this week calling for a vote on the bill and has received over 4,000 signatures of support in only a matter of days.

“There is a broad coalition of support for energy efficiency and its ability to strengthen our economy and address our nation’s energy needs,” Shaheen said. “Companies like EnerTrac are a terrific example of why. They are creating jobs here in the Granite State by making innovative products that will save consumers and businesses money. I am grateful for their support, and the support we’ve received from thousands of people who want to see our nation move forward with an energy efficiency strategy.”

With facilities in Hudson, EnerTrac specializes in technology that allows for better energy monitoring and smarter energy use. It has been recognized by the United States Department of Energy for promoting green solutions for New Hampshire companies.

"It is refreshing to see an energy proposal where everyone wins, and that’s exactly what this legislation is,” said Steve Owens, EnerTrac CEO. "Encouraging businesses and the government to use the latest technology to increase efficiency will create higher business profits, reduce dependence on foreign oil, lower consumer prices and decrease green house gases. I applaud Senator Shaheen for having the imagination and practicality to lead us to a brighter, cleaner future without sacrificing our standard of living."

Some highlights of Shaheen’s legislation include: 

• Boosts private sector investment in building efficiency upgrades. 
• Assists manufacturers in reducing energy use and becoming more competitive by establishing a state-based revolving financing program to help facilitate efficiency upgrades. 
• Works with states to strengthen voluntary national model building codes, to make new homes and commercial buildings more energy efficient.
• Requires the federal government – the single largest energy user in the country – to adopt energy saving techniques for computers, better building standards, and smart metering technology.

Introduced with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the legislation passed out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with a bipartisan vote of 18-3. The bill has garnered national support from more than 200 businesses, trade associations and efficiency advocates. The nation’s largest business and industrial trade groups – the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers – have endorsed the bill and recently joined Shaheen and Portman in calling on Senate leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote this year.