WASHINGTON — The Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013, was reintroduced as S. 1392 on July 30 with changes from the previous version, S. 761. On Aug. 1, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., filed for unanimous consent to bring it to the Senate floor for consideration, but since the Senate has recessed, the bill will come to the floor after recess in September.

Since S. 1392 is new and reportedly has some significant changes from S. 761, many organizations have not had a chance to fully analyze the bill.

Guido Zucconi, assistant vice president, Congressional Affairs, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), said, “AHRI is encouraged by the small but significant step the Senate took on Thursday on Shaheen-Portman. The bill still has many hurdles to overcome and our hope is that the senators can negotiate a way forward. Energy efficiency policies, if done correctly, can lead to more manufacturing, better products, more jobs, and energy independence. AHRI will continue to work with senators through the August recess to help get Shaheen-Portman across the finish line.”