SHAHEEN: ENERGY EFFICENCY INVESTMENTS WILL CREATE JOBS, LOWER POLLUTION, SAVE CONSUMERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY

This afternoon U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited the Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery and the White Mountain National Forest Headquarters to discuss her bipartisan energy efficiency legislation and renew her call for the Senate to quickly pass her bill.  The Senate has already moved to consider Shaheen’s legislation and will begin full debate on the legislation in September.

At both locations, Shaheen highlighted how the facilities’ investments in energy efficiency should serve as a model for similar investments nationally that will help create jobs, lower pollution, and save taxpayers and consumers money.

“The energy efficiency investments I saw today in both North Woodstock and Campton are perfect examples of what we need to be encouraging at the national level,” said Senator Shaheen.  “The Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery and the White Mountain National Forest headquarters have seen significant savings because of their investments and my bill will help other businesses do the same across the country. It’ll also help create jobs, reduce pollution, and save taxpayers significant dollars. The Senate should pass it immediately when we return in September.”

The Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery was recognized as the 2013 Business Leader New Hampshire State Champion for Energy Efficiency for its continued efforts to advance energy efficiency in its operations. In total their investments have resulted in annual energy savings of over $45,000.  The White Mountain National Forest headquarters has also made strategic investments in energy efficiency and received the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in 2011.

The Shaheen-Portman legislation builds upon several energy provisions that were signed into law last year and offers a deficit-neutral framework to promote the transition to a more energy efficient economy while driving economic growth.  The bill passed through the Senate Energy Committee on a strong bipartisan vote of 19-3 and has received resounding support from a broad coalition of business, labor and environmental leaders.  A study by experts at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy found that last year’s version would have saved consumers $4 billion by 2020 and helped businesses add 80,000 jobs to the economy.