FACT SHEET | December 9, 2010

Background on the Benefits of H.R. 5470

In the coming days, the Senate may consider H.R. 4451, the legislative vehicle for passing the Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act.  This legislation is the product of negotiations between the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, manufacturers, energy efficiency advocates, and consumer groups.  The provisions included in this bill were originally included in S. 1462 the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 and also includes amendments to S. 1462 that were later reported by the Committee, as well as provisions from more recently concluded agreements.

This legislation would require the implementation of new energy efficiency standards for outdoor lighting and establish or increase energy efficiency standards for several classes of products including electric spas; central air conditioners; refrigerators; clothes washers and dryers; and dishwashers.

The following information provides background on the estimated energy, environmental and consumer savings from implementing these consensus energy efficiency agreements.  This legislation also contains no new authorizations and according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), requires no new spending.

Consumer Savings

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that the bill would result in net economic savings (benefits minus costs) to consumers of more than $50 billion by 2030.

Water

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that the bill would save nearly 5 trillion gallons of water annually by 2030, roughly the amount needed to meet the current needs of every customer in Los Angeles for 25 years.

Energy

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that the bill would save over 1.1 Quadrillion British Thermal Units of energy each year by 2030—enough energy to meet the needs of 10 million typical American homes.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that the bill would improve the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 63 million metric tons each year by 2030.

DPC