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Latta Provisions Included in Energy Bill Markup

Washington, September 30, 2015 | Dan Alfaro (202-225-6405)

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), issued the following statement regarding the House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015:

“This comprehensive bill has been years in the making, and includes input from dozens of expert witnesses and government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Moniz. Energy is the backbone of the American economy. This legislation will allow the United States to fully realize its vast energy potential, improving the industry’s ability to create jobs. With the modernization of our grid reliability protection systems, and the continued safe, responsible development of our natural resources, America will be best positioned to achieve energy security. By addressing the needs of our infrastructure and improving efficiency, we can ensure Americans continue to benefit from a robust, low cost energy supply. I look forward to moving this vital legislation through the House, and will continue to work to ensure its passage into law.”

The markup included four key provisions introduced by Rep. Latta addressing energy efficiency and grid reliability:

 Sec. 1104. Critical Electric Infrastructure Security: This section would establish a new section 215A of the Federal Power Act that: 

· Provides the Secretary of Energy the authority to address grid security emergencies if the President provides a written directive or determination identifying a grid security emergency. The Secretary is authorized to take emergency measures to protect the bulk power system or defense critical electric infrastructure, including ordering critical electric infrastructure owners and operators to take appropriate actions, with such measures to expire no later than fifteen days from issuance. 

 · Facilitates the protection and voluntary sharing of critical electric infrastructure information between private sector asset owners and the Federal government by: (1) exempting designated Critical Electric Infrastructure Information from certain Federal and State disclosure laws; 2) requiring FERC to facilitate voluntary information sharing between Federal, State, local and tribal authorities, the Electric Reliability Organization, regional entities, and owners, operators and users of the bulk-power system in the U.S.; and 3) establishing sanctions for the unauthorized disclosure of shared information.

Sec. 4122. Voluntary Verification Programs for Air Conditioning, Furnace, Boiler, Heat Pump, and Water Heater Products: This section requires the DOE to recognize voluntary verification programs for air conditioning, furnace, boiler, heat pump, and water heating products to demonstrate compliance with DOE energy efficiency and conservation standards and the Energy Star program.

Sec. 4125. No Warranty for Certain Certified Energy Star Products: This section would promote continued development of energy efficient appliances through the Energy Star Program by deterring class action lawsuits that could undermine participation in the program.

Sec. 4172. WaterSense: This section would codify the voluntary WaterSense program at EPA. It specifies the categories of products that are eligible for WaterSense listing and also the guidelines for developing criteria and reviewing standards.

More:

Latta Opening Statement  (LINK)

  

 

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