On May 8, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness (ESIC) Act of 2013 (S. 761) on a 19 - 3 vote.  Its goal continues to be energy-efficiency upgrades for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, and sections that concern building energy efficiency are essentially the same as the bill that was approved by the committee in 2011.  Last week the ESIC Act was endorsed by the Business Roundtable.  Thus far, it has won the backing of more than 240 organizations, from environmental groups to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

Of particular importance for SPFA members is language in the bill that states, “In establishing building code targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary [of Energy] shall develop and adjust the targets in recognition of potential savings and costs related to – (A) efficiency gains made in appliances, lighting, windows, insulation, and building envelope sealing.”  

For a complete summary of the bill and its potential impact, please click here.