Every House Republican votes against bill to help consumers and businesses save money, conserve energy & water
(Apr. 4) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, that would set up-to-date energy and water efficiency standards for commercial and residential products that are not already regulated under the federal government.
“Hardworking Coloradans are already saving about $500 per year from federal appliance standards. This bill will help them save more,” said Rep. Froelich. “While product options and performances have increased, there are still ways that we can save people money and better conserve our state’s precious water while reducing pollution emissions.”
HB19-1231 would set in place energy and water efficiency standards for 15 commercial and residential products for which there are no existing federal standards, saving Coloradan families their hard-earned income while ensuring the overall quality of the products they purchase.
“Commonsense energy efficiency standards will put more money in the pockets of Coloradans in Fort Collins,” said Rep. Kipp. “This is about saving energy, saving water, and saving money. This bill contains proven, cost-effective methods to help consumers save.”
Setting energy efficiency standards is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon pollution emissions. While some appliances have been voluntarily produced using the Energy Star and WaterSense labelling programs, setting appliance standards at the state level will remove the poorest-performing products from the market.
The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate.