Senators unveil measure requiring agencies to cut energy use
Bill would force the government to take several steps toward energy efficiency, including boosting renewable energy purchases.
A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday proposed legislation to require the federal government to meet higher energy efficiency standards in its buildings and vehicles, as well as advance research into alternative fuels and guarantee loans to auto makers building fuel efficient cars.
Its sponsors say the "Efficiency Promotion Act" is one more step on the path to fuel independence and environmental protection.
"We believe this is a step forward," said Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., who joined with ranking member Pete Domenici, R-N.M., on the bill.
It would force the federal government to increase its purchase of electricity generated by renewable sources to 10 percent by 2010, reduce energy use in federal buildings by 30 percent by 2015 and reduce gas consumption 30 percent by 2016. It also increases the emphasis on research into fuel and battery technologies.
The bill could be rolled into a larger energy package, which might include a previous bill proposed by Bingaman and Domenici mandating the use of 36 billions gallons of biofuels by 2022. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has said he wants the Senate to consider energy legislation before the Memorial Day weekend.