Although last week it was reported that the long-gestating bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act was finally poised to enter debate, and possible passage into law, by the Senate, a new report indicates that the legislation may be held up further.

According to The Huffington Post, the energy efficiency initiative, which is typically referred to as the Shaheen-Portman bill – named after it's Senator co-authors – was slated for debate on Thursday, September 12, until Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter sought to tack an unrelated health care amendment onto the bill. The move drew both swift support and opposition, forcing the senators to delay voting on the measure until the following week.

Although some decried the act as a matter of partisan politics, bill sponsor Senator Jeanne Shaheen was optimistic about the development, noting that she and co-author Senator Rob Portman remain "encouraged by the bipartisan support for our energy efficiency bill."

"Many bipartisan amendments have already been introduced and we're hoping to [have] a robust debate on each of them," Shaheen added in an official statement.

If passed, the Shaheen-Portman bill would implement a series of new building codes, appliance efficiency standards and approved funding for research and development into new energy efficient solutions.

In the meantime, homeowners in Washington D.C. can take efficient steps of their own by making an appointment for a home inspection. By consulting with qualified DC home inspectors, you can identify the ways in which your home may be wasting power and what steps can be taken to resolve these issues, helping to both diminish harmful carbon emissions and cut down on costly utility bills.