It’s past time we combat climate change by increasing our energy efficiency.

The Shaheen-Portman bill would have strengthened energy efficiency requirements for new homes and commercial buildings and encouraged companies to develop energy efficient technology.  It includes incentives, opportunities and funding to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, houses and appliances.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy the Shaheen-Portman bill would spur the creation of 190,000 jobs, save the country $16.2 billion a year on energy bills by 2030, and reduce planet-warming greenhouse gases. Several leading energy-related groups have endorsed the bill, including the American Chemistry Council, the American Gas Association and the Earth Day Network.

The bill has broad bipartisan support and is cosponsored by 7 Republicans and 7 Democrats, yet partisan wrangling about unrelated energy amendments blocked a vote. The amendments include measures to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, block new EPA regulations governing new coal-fired power plants, an increase in natural gas exports and imposing hurdles on the implementation of a carbon tax.

Call on the Senate to vote finally on the Shaheen-Portman Energy Efficiency bill!