Chris Murphy: “As the cold of winter approaches also comes homeowners' concern for rising heating costs. It is important that the…”

“As the cold of winter approaches also comes homeowners' concern for rising heating costs. It is important that the Federal Government take some leads in helping to deal with the supply and demand issues. The Federal Government is the largest single user of energy in the world, spending $10 billion per year for its buildings. Despite past efforts, however, energy consumption is still too high, using old, inefficient technology. Only nine agencies since 1929 have reported energy savings in trying to save costs. The Alliance to Save Energy estimates at least 1 billion in taxpayer dollars is still being wasted. Some estimates are higher. For example, military bases can save millions in energy costs by replacing old, failing boilers and heating systems with energy-efficient models. The energy bill that will soon be taken up by the House will take an important step to increase energy efficiency by requiring a 20 percent energy consumption reduction in the next decade. This is a vital provision, one that will save mass amounts of taxpayer money, conserve energy, help save energy costs for our Nation. Let us stop the waste and start conserving for our future.”