A Statement From Alliance's Director Of Government Relations Liz Tate

“A final push to send energy efficiency legislation to the President’s Desk during the last hours of the 113^th Congress proves that efficiency remains a top priority for lawmakers and sets the stage for continued action in the coming year. H.R.2126, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2014, had broad bipartisan support but failed to pass by unanimous consent, due to an unexplained objection by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.).

“Despite the failure of the bill to pass by unanimous consent, the tireless efforts of lawmakers from both parties prove once again what has been true all year: energy efficiency is an issue that both sides of the aisle can agree upon, even during times of congressional inaction.

“The Senate did pass H.R. 5771, a bill to retroactively extend for one year approximately 50 tax provisions, which was passed earlier this month by the House. This collection of provisions includes 179D, 25C, and 45L, which are valuable energy efficiency tax incentives that cover non-business energy use, retrofits for commercial and multifamily buildings and new homes. Though a one year, retroactive extension is not sufficient to incentivize businesses and consumers, it is important that these efficiency tax credits were included in the package. President Obama acted immediately to sign the tax extender package into law.

“The Alliance applauds our Honorary Vice-Chairs for taking action on efficiency during the past year. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) worked tirelessly to support efficiency legislation throughout 2014. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also spoke compellingly to the importance of energy efficiency, urging her colleagues to take action on this important issue. Reps. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and David McKinley (R-W.Va.) also championed H.R. 2126 in the House, where it passed with almost no opposition in March.”