From Paben
Speaking of bills passing the state House, a bill sponsored by Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, that would set energy efficiency standards for certain products passed the House.
Rep. Morris
It passed 56-41, with one member excused.
The bill would set energy efficiency minimums for the following products made starting in 2012 and sold in the state:
• Compact audio products
• DVD players DVRs
• State-regulated external power supplies
Under current state law, the following products already have energy efficiency standards:
• Automatic commercial ice cube machines
• Certain wine chillers
• Commercial hot food holding cabinets
• Commercial refrigerators and freezers
• Tub spout diverters (anyone know what these are?)
• Certain incandescent reflector lights
• Pool heaters, residential pool pumps, and portable electrical spas
• Hot-water dispensers and mini-tank electric water heaters
• Bottle-type and point-of-use water dispensers
Federal law lets states set minimum standards for products that aren’t already addressed in federal law. Click here to see the bill report.
Our Dems, Morris and Rep. Kris Lytton, D-Anacortes, voted for it. Our Republicans, Reps. Jason Overstreet, R-Blaine, and Vincent Buys, R-Everson, voted against it.
“Energy efficiency is our best and easiest way of dealing with future power needs and reducing current demand,” Morris said in a press release. “We must keep up with other states, particularly California, or risk becoming a dumping ground for products that waste energy and money.”
At the hearing, the arguments for: Washington has been a leader in energy efficiency standards. Conserving power helps us meet greenhouse gas emission limits. When states adopt standards, the U.S. Department of Energy will consider adopting a federal standard.
Arguments against at the hearing: A state-by-state approach makes it rough for multi-state retailers to comply, and it drives up costs for consumers. An incentive approach is better than mandates, especially in a fast-changing industry.
This now heads to the Senate for consideration.
What a complete waste of time.
Every Kilowatt is sacred.
Mr. Efficiency!
So kiss my kilowatt, and I’ll give you they keys to the gates of the repository of eternal energy happiness!
I’ll do it in an efficient manner, too!
The downside of the repository is that everyone freezes in the dark there, but I’m sure that you’ll be happy because of all the energy that doesn’t get wasted. There isn’t an energy-wasting incandescent reflector lamp in the whole place.
As power costs rise, (partly in response to the subsidies given to sacred wind farm operators), the market will naturally move toward more efficient appliances.
We don’t need any energy police.
A great place to cut the State budget would be to kill this turkey (in an energy-efficient manner, of course. Perhaps we could run it down with a hybrid vehicle.).
So many words!
You sure you’re up to being a planner-wanna be?
It requires thinking or so I’ve heard.
Everyone knows that for each KW saved,
a KW isn’t needed at any generator.
Just so we’re clear, it is my opinion that the imposition of a bunch of feel-good mandates on Washington’s citizens that will probably save not a kilowatt, does not constitute good planning.
In addition, cost-of-compliance issues might well lead to reduced consumer choice in Washington State. That cost is also likely to exceed the value of any energy “saved.”
Ok, I’ll bite.
Calculate the costs of the savings and be sure to factor in the rising costs for all energy.
Now,
figure the corresponding costs for feeling good about mandating energy efficiency levels that already are easily met.
Good Luck!