It's a a good start, the Alliance to Save Energy says.
The
Alliance to Save Energy said it was pleased the $838 billion economic stimulus bill passed
today by the U.S. Senate includes $30 billion for energy efficiency, but added
more needs to be done.
“The Senate bill would pump
substantial federal dollars into energy efficiency programs that return many
times their original level of investment to taxpayers in the form of energy
savings and new jobs, not to mention important environmental benefits,” said
Alliance President Kateri Callahan.
She praised the Senate bill for its
funding, of energy-efficiency research and development.
“Nevertheless, the Senate bill is disappointing
compared to the House bill, with its $50 billion for clean-energy investments,”
Callahan added.
Other
improvements the alliance is seeking include a $300 million rebate program for
Energy Star-approved appliances and $600 million for heat, power and
waste-recovery technologies.
The bill, which passed 61-37,
is expected to now head to a House-Senate conference committee, where lawmakers
will attempt to reach agreement on a final version to send to President Barack
Obama.
