Kathy Castor: “the bill also says it would gut the ability of manufacturers, consumer groups, and others to arrive at consensus. Most…”

“the bill also says it would gut the ability of manufacturers, consumer groups, and others to arrive at consensus. Most of what happens when the Department of Energy goes to update energy efficiency standards is that everyone gets together and they work out a consensus. It is a consensus that helps consumers save money but ensures that there is not a burden on business. Over time, technology has improved time and time again. Some of us are old enough to reflect on the very limited choices we had decades ago on our household appliances. Now we go shopping. We have wide consumer choice. I know my friends on the other side of the aisle like to say this is a mandate. They are telling us what to buy. People are smart. They know better than that. When consumers go shopping, it is up to them to decide: Do I want the energy efficient model? Do I want the midsize model? What benefits us? What really applies and helps my family? They have the choice to make. Over time, through this important energy efficiency initiative at the Department of Energy, people have really saved a lot of money. It has allowed our manufacturers to do well. To gut these energy efficiency standards would be a gift to China. People are already suffering, paying more because of tariffs on some household appliances and supplies. If we really want to help consumers save money, why don't we do something to get the tariff revenue back to hardworking Americans?”