[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 1756, THE NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE REAUTHORIZATION ACT 
                                OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES F. BASS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. BASS of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, as this Congress debates 
measures to address our nation's energy independence, economic growth, 
and job creation, I rise in strong support of the National Oilheat 
Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2011 (H.R. 1756).
  Oilheat safely and efficiently heats 9.5 million American households, 
keeping an estimated 24.5 million individuals comfortable when the 
temperature drops. As the American cost of living continues to rise, 
vital advances in this industry can save consumers money. With the goal 
of improving heating efficiency and technology, we have introduced H.R. 
1756, legislation to reauthorize this vital program and have the 
support of 70 bipartisan and geographically diverse cosponsors.
  Since its inception in 2001, the National Oilheat Research Alliance 
(NORA) has made significant progress in improving the efficiency and 
reliability of oilheating equipment, thus lowering costs to consumers 
and reducing the use of oil. NORA is a collaborative program 
established by the oilheat industry aiming to strengthen the industry 
by improving education and training for employees, providing 
information to customers, and developing new products for consumers. 
From an ecological standpoint, NORA is working on the development of 
sustainable biofuels as part of heating oil, and improving emissions 
controlling technology.
  NORA is funded by a fee of 2/10th of 0.01 cent per gallon paid for by 
oilheat distributors only if 85% of the industry agrees that it is 
wanted. This fee does not affect consumers, but rather is an initiative 
by members of the industry to improve their product and save customers 
money.
  Since the authorization of NORA the industry has:
  Improved residential oilheat efficiency by 30 percent or 120 gallons 
per home. Based on the U.S. average heating oil price in the 2009/2010 
winter season, the volume reduction over this period has reduced 
oilheat consumer's energy costs by about $335 per household at a cost 
of $7.50 per household heated with oil.
  Reduced foreign oil imports by 185,000 barrels per day.
  Reduced CO2 emissions by 30 million tons.
  The adoption of NORA's best practices resulted in reduced claims and 
less severity for industry participants. This yielded a significant 
reduction in the cost of insurance for companies. For a typical company 
utilizing NORA's best practices, insurance costs per customer will be 
reduced by 1.0 cent per gallon.
  The authorization of NORA merely provides the mechanism for the 
oilheat industry, should they choose to work cooperatively, develop 
programs, and ensure that solutions are found systematically and 
resourcefully. By reauthorizing NORA, we will help ensure the 
continuation of research that has helped lower consumer costs and 
improved heating efficiency.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues and the staff on the 
Energy and Commerce Committee for the work they have done on this 
legislation and urge its consideration and passage.

                          ____________________