SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4018

BYRepresentatives Todd and Nelson

Petitioning the federal department of energy to adopt revised energy standards for appliances which conform to the national appliance energy conservation act.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 28, 1989; March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Owen, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

                  March 30, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Energy conservation through the use of energy efficient home appliances constitutes energy savings that can be liberated for other uses.

This was recognized by Congress in enactment of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987, PL 100-12.  This act set initial appliance standards and required review and possible raising of the standards in 1989 by the U. S. Department of Energy.  This review is currently in progress.

The act specifies that the standards should be set at the highest level of efficiency possible while still being cost-effective.

SUMMARY:

The U.S. Department of Energy is urged, in its ongoing review, to adopt for certain appliances the best possible levels of energy efficiency that are cost-effective.  The levels of efficiency are specified in relation to efficiency levels defined and characterized by the department in its review proceedings.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Todd, prime sponsor