Massachusetts' New Energy Standards Fill Fed's Void

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney signed important energy efficiency legislation that will make common appliances more efficient and closed the loop on devices not covered under Federal laws. The bill was passed unanimously by the House on November 1st and by the Senate on November 15th. Massachusetts is the first state to update energy efficiency standards for furnaces and boilers, one of a home’s biggest energy users. Environmental and consumer advocates hailed the state’s action. “Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to start solving our energy problems,” said Frank Gorke, Energy Advocate for MASSPIRG. “All of the legislators involved deserve thanks for their foresight and leadership in passing this important energy- and money-saving measure, especially Energy Committee Chairmen Brian Dempsey and Michael Morrissey, Speaker DiMasi and Senate President Travaglini, and the bill’s original sponsors, Senator Robert O’Leary and Representative Matt Patrick. And we thank Gov. Mitt Romney for acting to sign the bill into law.” The law will make home furnaces and boilers, laptop power cords, and several other products more energy efficient, cutting energy bills in the commonwealth by at least $1 billion between now and 2030. The bill would also reduce air pollution from coal and oil […]

Read More