Consensus Appliance Standards Reintroduced
On Feb. 17, 2011, the Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act of 2011 (INCAAA) was introduced in the Senate. The bill’s bipartisan introduction was sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who also serve as honorary vice chairs on the Alliance board of directors. INCAAA 2011 (S. 398) is an updated version of 2010’s INCAAA bill (S. 3925 in the 111th Congress), which nearly passed under unanimous consent in December 2010.
“We look forward to an early hearing and markup on this important legislation,” stated Alliance Director of Government Relations Brad Penney. “These provisions will produce substantial energy savings for consumers and businesses, and should receive bipartisan support from both the House and the Senate early in the 112th Congress.”
Central to this bill is a revised set of appliance standards negotiated by industry and advocates. The existing Federal Appliance Standards program was created in 1987 and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. According to a recent report by ACEEE, these periodically updated appliance standards have saved Americans more than $300 billion in energy bills. To further increase energy savings, INCAAA 2011 seeks to strengthen existing appliance standards and create standards for newer technologies.
INCAAA was created with consensus support from appliance manufacturers, energy efficiency groups like the Alliance, and consumer groups. The bill enjoys broad support because it would reduce the regulatory burden placed on appliance manufacturers, reduce energy and water consumption, and save consumers money on their monthly energy bills. Many Alliance Associates were involved in the bill’s negotiations, including the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Osram Sylvania, Philips, Johnson Controls, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and Whirlpool.
Key Provisions
INCAAA would create efficiency standards for outdoor lighting. These major energy consumers have been previously overlooked by standards.
INCAAA would update standards for furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners to take advantage of the latest technologies and efficiency potential.- Improved Appliance Standards
INCAAA also would update the standards for refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dryer and dishwashers to maximize efficiency savings. This consensus agreement, which was a collaboration between efficiency advocates and appliance manufacturers, removes the need for otherwise costly and potentially controversial Department of Energy Rulemaking as pertains to these appliances.
Savings Potential
ACEEE estimates that INCAAA would, by 2030, save the United States about 850 trillion Btus of energy each year – roughly the energy use of 4.6 million homes. That’s more energy than was used by the entire state of Connecticut in 2008.
According to these estimates, INCAAA’s net economic savings to consumers would be $43 billion by 2030. Because appliance standards historically have enjoyed bipartisan support, INCAAA presents an opportunity for congress to achieve real savings for taxpayers while increasing business competitiveness – a win-win in today’s economy.
