Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Energy Costs Clears Senate Hurdle

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed bipartisan bills championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins that would lower energy costs for our nation’s schools and extend the federal government’s landmark energy efficiency program.  This legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

“Encouraging the adoption of energy efficiency measures is one of the easiest yet most effective mechanisms for reducing energy consumption, lessening pollution, and ultimately saving families, businesses, communities, and all levels of government money,” said Senator Collins.  “These two bipartisan bills would decrease energy costs for Maine’s schools and low-income households, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support them.”

Legislation included in the Committee’s markup:

• The Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act, which was introduced by Senators Collins and Mark Warner (D-VA), would help streamline available federal energy efficiency programs, assist school administrators with navigating available federal financing, and reduce school buildings’ energy costs. 

• The Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act of 2019, which was introduced by Senators Collins, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in April, would reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through 2024.  Click HERE for a one-pager of the bill.