[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENT 
                        BUILDINGS INCENTIVES ACT

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Energy 
Efficient Buildings Incentives Act. I am joined in this effort by a 
substantial and diverse coalition of my colleagues including Mr. Markey 
of Massachusetts, as well as Mr. Smith of New Hampshire in the Senate, 
and many others. This bill is supported by a strong coalition of 
industries and organizations. I have submitted a list of supporters 
below.
  My constituents in San Diego have been suffering from outrageously 
high-energy prices for nearly a year. Our citizens and city have been 
forced into a crisis by the State legislature's deregulation of the 
electricity market. While I and my colleagues from San Diego are 
seeking solutions to this terrible crisis, I am introducing this bill 
in an effort to formulate a long-term energy plan.
  The Energy Efficient Buildings Incentives Act will provide tax 
incentives for the construction of energy efficient buildings. 
Structures of this nature could potentially cut energy usage by as much 
as 50 percent. This would result in a nearly 6 percent reduction in air 
emissions over the next 10 years--equivalent to taking 40 percent of 
the automobiles off the road.
  The bill will offer tax incentives to encourage the production and 
sale of technologically advanced, energy-efficient buildings and 
equipment. The legislation is structured to promote the creation of 
competitive markets for new technologies and designs that are not 
widely available today, but have the possibility of being cost 
effective to the consumer in the future. The incentives will apply to:
  Efficient new residential buildings that save 30 percent to 50 
percent in energy costs compared to national model codes, including a 
higher incentive for higher savings.
  Efficient heating, cooling, and water heating equipment that reduce 
emissions and peak electric loads by about 20 percent (lower 
incentives) and 30 percent-50 percent (higher incentives) compared to 
national standards.
  Efficient commercial buildings with 50 percent energy and power cost 
savings.
  Residential-scale solar hot water and photovoltaic equipment.
  The design and administration for these energy efficient structures 
is based on the track record of successful state programs over the past 
decade. Buildings account for some 35 percent of air pollution 
emissions nationwide, and cost their owners over $250 billion a year in 
energy costs. They also contribute to well over half of peak electric 
power demand. If enacted promptly the incentives in this bill will 
begin to mitigate electric peak reliability problems by the summer of 
2001.
  This bill will help both families and businesses reduce annual energy 
costs, saving over $80 billion in present value over the next decade. 
Energy costs of businesses are tax deductible under current law, so 
reductions in energy costs means billion of dollars in saving to the 
Federal government.
  I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting the energy 
Efficient Buildings Incentives Act. Together we can provide for a 
cleaner environment and help reduce energy needs, thus postponing the 
need for building new power plants as well as helping to save our 
environment.

             The Energy Efficient Buildings Incentives Act

       Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense, 
     Consumer's Choice Council, U.S. PIRG, World Wildlife 
     Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, American Oceans Campaign, 
     Environmental and Energy Study Institute, American Council 
     for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Legal Environmental 
     Assistance Foundation, Inc., Michigan Environmental Council, 
     Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy, American Rivers, 
     and World Wildlife Fund.
       ENRON, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Sacramento 
     Municipal Utility District, PacificCorp, Northern California 
     Power Agency, CA Municipal Utilities Association, and 
     Northeastern Public Power Association.
       American Portland Cement Alliance, Air Conditioning 
     Contractors of America, Foamed Polystyrene Alliance, North 
     American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 
     Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, 
     American Energy Technologies, American Solar Energy, and 
     Energy Conservation Services of North Florida.
       National Association of State Energy Officials, Home 
     Builders Association of Central Vermont, Inc., Insulation 
     Contractors Association of America, California Building 
     Industry Association, California Association of Building 
     Energy Consultants, National Council of the Housing Industry, 
     National Association of State Energy Officials, and Florida 
     Solar Energy Industries Association.
       Union of Concerned Scientists, National Wildlife 
     Federation, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, National 
     Environmental Trust, Physicians for Social Responsibility, 
     Global Green USA, Friends of the Earth, Alliance to Save 
     Energy, League of Conservation Voters, American Oceans 
     Campaign, Consumer's Choice Council, National Environmental 
     Trust, and Izaak Walton League of America.
       Massachusetts Electric, Southern California Edison, Montana 
     Power, California ISO, Sempra Energy, City of Los Angeles, 
     and Los Angeles Water & Power.
       Siemens Solar Industries, TRANE, Climatic-Solar Corp., 
     Energy Partners, Solar Systems of Florida, AllSolar Service 
     Company Inc., Solar-Fit, and Solar Source.
       National Insulation Association, California Energy 
     Commission, Florida Solar Energy Center, Solar Energy 
     Industries Association, California Air Resources Board, and 
     Manufactured Housing Assoc.

     

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