Smith Bill to Establish Energy Efficiency Standards Advances from Committee

Trenton – In an effort to establish energy efficiency standards across the state, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Smith, which would expand water efficiency standards.

The bill, S-3324, would establish minimum energy and water efficiency standards for certain products sold, offered for sale or leased in the state. The energy and water efficiency standards in the bill are based on various sources including specifications from federal programs such as ENERGY STAR and WaterSense, and from criteria developed and adopted by the California Energy Commission.

“Not only will these standards help both homeowners and the State conserve water and electricity, but also ensure consumers will save money overtime by remaining efficient,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), Chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. “Higher efficiency standards for our products will guarantee we can diminish harmful emissions, sustain our fresh water resources and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Products regulated under the bill would include goods such as new air purifiers, certain fluorescent lamps, certain commercial kitchen appliances, computers, monitors, showerheads, toilets, urinals, portable electric spas, residential ventilating fans, and water coolers.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 11-1.