Frank Pallone: “My colleagues on the other side of the aisle love to claim that they support lower energy costs, but the fact is that…”

“My colleagues on the other side of the aisle love to claim that they support lower energy costs, but the fact is that this bill will increase costs for consumers. As a result of appliance efficiency standards in effect today, the average American household saves roughly $500 annually on utility bills, and this bill blocks an efficiency standard that will save consumers up to $1.7 billion. This will specifically impact low- and moderate-income households that spend more of their money on energy bills. I also think it is ironic that Republicans have cited the American Gas Association's strong support for this bill. AGA is an association of gas utilities that make more money when consumers use more gas. Should we be surprised that they oppose a standard that makes gas stoves more efficient and affordable? This bill is nothing but a handout to the fossil fuel industry, and that would drive prices higher for Americans. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”