Political Quotes

“about a week or so ago I learned that a U.S. circuit court of appeals, I believe for the Second District, had released a decision that is a major victory for energy efficiency. It offers significant savings for consumers of electricity. It is important for our Nation's energy future. Finally, it will help to improve the quality of air we breathe. Let me take a moment to talk more about this decision and its impact. To provide a bit of background, among the U.S. Department of Energy's responsibilities is to establish energy efficiency standards for electrical appliances. Central air-conditioners, the type that cool most of our homes and offices, must meet the appropriate seasonal energy efficiency rating, better known as SEER. During warm summer days--which seem a long way away now--central air-conditioners account for more than half of the electricity we use. Increasing the efficiency of these necessary modern comforts will result in significantly less stress on our Nation's electricity grid and reduce the occurrence of blackouts. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, requiring energy-efficient air-conditioners would avoid having to construct as many as 48 new electric powerplants over the next 16 years. It would also result in less greenhouse gases and harmful air pollution being released into the atmosphere because of reduced electricity demand.”