Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage Energy Efficiency in Federal Facilities

(Washington, DC) –This week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined bipartisan legislation led by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Chris Coons (D-DE) that would encourage the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Savings Contracts (UESCs) in federal buildings. Shaheen has historically worked with Gardner and Coons on this energy efficiency legislation, and has prioritized similar efforts in the Senate to reduce federal energy costs to save Granite Staters, and taxpayers across the country, money. The bill – the Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act of 2019 – is led by Representatives Kizinger (R-IL) and Welch (D-VT) in the House of Representatives. 

“Energy efficiency policies like ESPCs and UESCs have proven to be a cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption, create private sector jobs and save taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Senator Shaheen. “The bipartisan Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act will encourage the use of these innovative tools to improve the energy efficiency of the federal government, which is the nation’s largest energy user. I’ll keep working to build a bipartisan consensus in support of this bill so Congress can make meaningful reforms that strengthen America’s energy security and invest in the sustainability of our environment.” 

Senator Shaheen has prioritized legislation in Congress that invests in energy efficiency. Last month, Senator Shaheen joined Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to introduce legislation that would overhaul the federal tax code to support an innovative, low-carbon economy by consolidating 44 energy incentives into three technology-neutral provisions that encourage clean electricity, clean transportation and energy efficiency. Shaheen also recently worked across the aisle with Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act, which would assist small- and medium-sized American manufacturers in adopting smart manufacturing technologies. Smart manufacturing technologies combines information, technology and innovation, allowing companies to make real-time management decisions regarding productivity, energy and costs.  And as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen has historically helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at the Department of Energy.