Trenton
– A strong energy efficiency bill passed the Assembly with strong
bipartisan support (68-11-1) today. The
bill (A3595) gives the Department of Community Affairs the power to strengthen
the energy efficiency requirements of the building codes.
“This bill is smart energy policy,” said Abigail Caplovitz
Field, advocate for the New Jersey
Public Interest Research Group. “Building
efficient buildings stops electricity waste before it starts.”
Assemblyman John McKeon championed A3595, which has the
potential to save consumers and businesses $6.6 billion on electricity and $3.2
billion on natural gas by 2020. In
addition, the reduced energy demand will lessen air pollution and reduce global
warming emissions by 1% by 2020.
“In addition to providing substantial savings to both
resident and businesses, increasing energy efficiency is part of the solution
to global warming,” said McKeon. “Since we are one of the largest energy users,
improving our energy codes will change our position from a leading consumer to
a leading conserver.”
Senator Bob Smith has championed the companion bill, S2154,
which so far has cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
“A new energy sub-code will increase the energy efficiency
in new homes, resulting in energy savings for the people of New Jersey,” said Senator Smith. “Reductions in energy consumption will ease
the State’s carbon foot print, benefiting future generations.”
“Assemblyman McKeon and Senator Smith have been true leaders
on energy efficiency,” said Field.
“Their efforts will deliver billions of savings to consumers and
businesses throughout New Jersey,
if this bill becomes law.”
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For comment from the
Department of Community Affairs on the building codes bill, contact Chris
Donnelly, 609-292-6055.
