Senate panel debates energy efficiency bills

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee began debate on Tuesday on measures that would strengthen appliance efficiency standards and help U.S. manufacturers use less energy.

The proposed legislation would revamp the Energy Department’s program that develops efficiency rules for household appliances by allowing individuals to petition the department to revise standards or test procedures. The department would be required to respond to these requests.

The bill would also set new efficiency standards for table and floor lamps based on rules adopted in California–saving the amount of electricity needed to power 350,000 homes by 2020.

Reuters