On the recordMay 12, 2014
I rise today in support of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2014. I commend Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman on their leadership and tireless efforts to craft an energy efficiency bill that is good for consumers, good for our economy, and good for our environment. The Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill is supported by a coalition of environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club, and the BlueGreen Alliance. It is also supported by business trade associations such as the chamber of commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. By working together on a bipartisan basis, the two Senators have put together a bill that is officially sponsored by seven Democrats and seven Republicans and I believe the vast majority of the people in this Chamber. Although this bill is not a substitute for comprehensive energy or climate legislation, it is the right effort to put us on more secure energy footing and strengthen our economy. I have always argued that at a time when we have been having a hard time working on comprehensive energy legislation--something which I believe we should do and which would be very good for our economy--we need to get behind efforts such as this one. I am so pleased this has finally happened; however, I am not certain we will be able to get it done this week.…
