SHAHEEN: ENERGY EFFICIENCY PACKAGE WOULD CREATE JOBS FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

(Bedford, NH) –  U.S.  Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said construction jobs would grow due to increased demand for building upgrades under her new bipartisan energy efficiency legislation. Shaheen discussed the bill with construction industry representatives today during a tour of Sullivan Construction’s energy efficient headquarters in Bedford.

“Rising energy costs and a lack of jobs are still a major concern for many Americans. Energy efficiency is a way that we can tackle both these issues, effectively and affordably,” said Shaheen, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “Sullivan Construction epitomizes how energy efficiency can create jobs in New Hampshire. Its ability to weather the recent recession is a testament to the power of innovation and the green economy.”

“This bipartisan bill will promote construction jobs by offering low-interest, government-backed financing for many different users,” said Tom Sullivan, President of Sullivan Construction. “We were excited to discuss this important issue during Senator Shaheen’s visit today.”

Based in Bedford, Sullivan Construction specializes in sustainable green building and has its offices in one of only two New Hampshire buildings with a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the highest rating for sustainability granted by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Shaheen’s bill, The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011, would establish a national energy efficiency strategy and promote job growth at companies like Sullivan Construction.  The bipartisan approach is effective, affordable, and relies upon existing off-the-shelf technology.

Some highlights of the legislation include:

• Boosts private sector investment in building efficiency upgrades by expanding the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee program.
• Helps manufacturers reduce energy use and become more competitive by working with states to establish a revolving loan program to help finance efficiency upgrades.
• Provides standards on outdoor lighting, residential heating and cooling systems, residential appliances, and other appliance products based on agreements between manufacturers and efficiency advocates.
• Works with states to strengthen 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, saving energy and taxpayer dollars, and adopt better building standards and smart metering technology.

Introduced with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the legislation has garnered support from a wide range of businesses, trade associations, and efficiency advocates.

The bill is S. 1000.