WASHINGTON, DC — A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee has defeated a Democratic effort to reinstate the 13-SEER standard for air conditioners as part of a comprehensive energy bill.

The Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee rejected an amendment by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) to reinstate and implement the Clinton administration’s 13-SEER standard, which the Bush administration earlier this year reduced to 12 SEER.

The 13-SEER standard “was already on the books, should stay on the books, and we should stay with it,” said Markey. Republicans said that the Bush administration's proposed standard was adequate. “The notion that the Bush administration has rolled back a lot of environmental standards is just a lot of poppycock,” said Representative Billy Tauzin (R-LA), chairman of the full committee.

Publication date: 07/09/2001