WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) introduced legislation to boost innovative energy efficiency technologies and lower energy costs for families and small businesses across America. Specifically, the American Energy Efficiency Act would create a new national energy efficiency resource standard, which, according to experts, could save consumers over $56 billion on their energy bills and create 400,000 new jobs.

“Improving energy efficiency is a win-win-win for Americans’ pocketbooks, workers and our fight against the costly effects of climate change,” said Rep. Castor. “As Governor DeSantis fails to address rising energy costs for Florida families, the American Energy Efficiency Act would establish a nationwide energy efficiency standard to deliver much-needed savings while cutting harmful carbon pollution.”

“Overcoming the climate crisis demands comprehensive solutions centered in securing the safety and prosperity of our communities. It’s clear that, if we are to protect American families and small businesses from the drastically higher energy costs and other harms associated with a changing climate, Congress needs to take meaningful action today,” said Rep. Clarke. “I am proud to work alongside Rep. Castor on behalf of legislation that will redefine energy efficiency in our nation, saving consumers billions, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and putting America on the right path forward.” 

Specifically, the American Energy Efficiency Act would build upon state successes to establish a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS). This bill would help all states benefit from commercial, cost-effective energy savings technologies by:

• Setting the parameters for a national EERS, which would be administered by each state.
• Requiring retail electric and natural gas utilities to achieve energy savings of 22% and 14%, respectively, by the year 2039.
• Encouraging distributors to obtain energy savings in a variety of ways, including helping customers save energy by upgrading insulation, lighting, and appliances.
• Directing the Department of Energy to set uniform national energy savings measurement protocols for retailers to measure, verify, and report energy savings achieved.
• Allowing states to continue to administer their own programs and encourage them to adopt even more stringent efficiency goals.

The American Energy Efficiency Act is endorsed by numerous labor organizations, industry associations and advocacy groups. View the full list here.