The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) found that a new legislative proposal to promote energy-efficiency improvements to residential and commercial appliances and equipment will have the adverse effect of hindering the use of such technology. Stephen R. Yurek, president of ARI, testified against the proposal to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

“The Energy Efficiency Promotion Act (S. 1115), while admirable in its attempt to conserve energy, will ultimately undercut the effective energy-efficiency programs developed by Congress and administered by the Department of Energy,” said Yurek.

 “These current laws and regulations work because they are the result of a partnership with industry that has given manufacturers the opportunity to provide critical input into the development of energy-saving performance standards that still allow them to produce affordable, quality products for the American public,” he said.

ARI recommends adopting the following alternative, energy-efficiency measures to achieve the bill’s objectives:

Supporting residential energy-efficiency initiatives like incentives and rebates for the purchase of efficient appliances.

Passing tax incentives to accelerate the replacement of older HVACR equipment in commercial buildings with more efficient technology.

Strengthening the nation’s support of workforce education and certification to promote more efficient installations of HVACR equipment.

Funding research and development projects to advance the next generation of energy-efficient technologies.

For more information, visit www.ari.org.