[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2580-E2581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 UNDONE BUSINESS IN ENERGY CONSERVATION

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing a package of bills designed 
to take the next step in furthering energy conservation activities in 
the U.S., especially in the federal government. We stand here today 
facing the beginning of the winter heating season and a forecast of 
record high energy prices. It is possible that spot shortages may 
develop in parts of the country if the winter is especially severe.
  Regardless of what happens with supply, energy costs will be high 
this winter. However, they don't have to be as high in future winters 
and summers for homeowners and the federal government if we begin now 
to take some of the low-cost steps to better control our use of energy. 
Adoption of these measures now will pay big dividends in the future in 
the form of lower energy costs.
  The federal government needs to be a leader on this issue. In 2000, 
federal agencies spent $7.4 billion to consume 1 quadrillion BTUs of 
energy. Although energy consumption in government buildings has dropped 
by almost 25 percent since 1985, approximately $1 billion in taxpayer 
dollars is still wasted each year. These bills will help ensure that 
federal buildings are meeting strong energy efficiency goals and that 
the federal government is taking a look at the full range of energy-
saving technologies.
  Installation of Metering in Federal Buildings: The installation of 
appropriate metering equipment in federal buildings for electricity, 
natural gas and other petroleum-based fuels, as well as steam and 
chilled water, provides the data that can enable the building operator 
to manage energy consumption and help cut the federal government's 
energy bill. Often this will require the installation of ``smart 
meters'' that provide much additional information for managing energy 
consumption. This bill amends the ``National Energy Conservation Policy 
Act'' (NECPA) to advance from 2012 to 2008 the date by which metering 
must be installed in certain large Federal buildings. Section 103 of 
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended NECPA to require metering in 
Federal buildings by 2012. However, under current law, new buildings 
that will be built between now and the deadline will not be required to 
have metering installed that provides the relevant data for meaningful 
monitoring of energy consumption. Metering is far easier to install 
during construction than after the building is completed. Without this 
basic information, building performance cannot be evaluated and 
improved. I believe there is no reason why the government shouldn't get 
on with this program now rather than waiting another 7 years.
  AOC Energy Management Responsibility: This bill clarifies the intent 
of the recently enacted H.R. 6, ``The Energy Policy Act of 2005'' with 
respect to the obligations of the Architect of the Capitol in energy 
conservation. The bill explicitly requires the AOC to comply with 
substantially all of the same building management requirements as the 
federal agencies. An exception is made with respect to reporting 
requirements. Under this legislation, the AOC will report results to 
the committees of jurisdiction, rather than the Secretary of Energy.
  Validation of Design Energy Performance in Federal Buildings: A 
significant problem in new federal buildings is that they often use 
more energy than they were designed to use. Some of the excess 
consumption is due to the lack of adequate monitoring of the HVAC 
systems to ensure they are performing properly. However, some buildings 
are actually shortchanged during the construction process as costs 
rise. Often omitted for cost reasons are some of the features that are 
designed to save energy. My bill directs the head of each federal 
agency to prepare a report comparing the actual energy performance of 
each new federal building with the design energy efficiency performance 
of the building. The report is to be completed 18 months after 
completion of the building and should also include remedies to bring 
the building into compliance

[[Page E2581]]

with design criteria, if necessary. A second report is required to 
explain the continued deficiencies that prevent the building from 
meeting its performance requirements.

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