How will Shaheen-Portman help energy consumption?

Yesterday, we discussed on this blog that a new energy efficiency bill – with the bipartisan support of Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Rob Portman – had finally made its way to the Senate floor for a debate and what supporters hope will be a quick passage into law. The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act – or just Shaheen-Portman – seeks to implement structural improvements throughout the United States to reduce energy consumption and, in turn, the nation's effect on climate change. But the question remains, how exactly will Shaheen-Portman accomplish that?

The Huffington Post highlights some of the most important features of the bill, including:

  • Founding SupplySTAR, a new Department of Energy initiative that will provide companies with ways to improve their supply chains' efficiency methods
  • Providing financial incentives to promote investments into energy efficiency upgrades for municipal, industrial and commercial buildings
  • Reducing power expenditures and costs for manufacturers to, in turn, make them more competitive
  • Setting national standards for building codes, to create more energy efficient homes and businesses.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, residential and commercial buildings consume three-quarters of the country's electricity. By earmarking these buildings for green upgrades, Shaheen-Portman can make significant cuts to the daily amounts of wasted energy, saving billions of dollars in the process as well as boosting the economy and mitigating negative influences on the environment.

Maryland residents can take steps to begin reducing their own energy consumption and environmental impact by scheduling an appointment for a home inspection. Maryland home inspectors can perform an energy audit of your property, which will help to address and resolve ways in which your house may be wasting energy and bring down your utility bills.