Rep. Charles Bass Discusses Jobs, Energy Efficiency Policy at Alliance Reception

Photo: Rep. Charles Bass (left) with Alliance Director of Government Relations Robert Mosher (right) at the Alliance's Policy Perspectives breakfast on Capitol Hill.

“The real issue is about jobs,” Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H.) said at a breakfast with Alliance Associates. The event, part of the Alliance's Policy Perspectives series, was sponsored by Bosch on Sept. 8, 2011.

While acknowledging the tough fiscal decisions Congress will face in the coming months, Bass shared his vision for energy efficiency policy this fall and expressed confidence that energy efficiency can help stimulate economic recovery.

Bass’ Crystal Ball for the Fall

“This fall, Congress has two agendas: job creation and fiscal responsibility,” Bass explained. Moreover, advocates can garner strong bipartisan support for energy efficiency policies by emphasizing how such policies create jobs and save money, according to Bass.

Noting that the United States needs energy efficiency to get through the current economic crisis, Bass announced his intention to introduce an energy efficiency bill in the House. Bass and his staff are currently writing the bill, which would relate to – but would not mirror – the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act introduced in May by Sen. Shaheen (D- N.H.) and Sen. Portman (R- Ohio).

Innovators in Energy Efficiency

During a question-and-answer session, one attendee asked Bass about his decision to vote “no” on the Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act. The BULB Act, which did not pass, would have repealed the energy-efficient lighting standards that were enacted on a bipartisan basis in 2007. Bass answered simply that he had made the right decision to oppose the BULB Act.

Bass also commended Alliance Associate Philips Lighting Co. for being “a living example that the light bulb standard worked” and that the energy efficient light bulb industry is thriving. “Before, you walked into a store and there was only one energy-efficient bulb,” Bass recalled. “Now, thanks to new innovation, we have many to choose from.”

This article was written by Alliance Policy Intern Ali Levine.