WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the California energy problems, Joe Barton (R-TX), Chair of the Energy and Air Quality subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee, has introduced H.R. 1647, better known as the Electricity Emergency Relief Act.

Section 201 of the new bill calls for emergency conservation awareness campaigns. It also orders the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with affected states, to conduct an awareness campaign in order to promote conservation of energy where demand is expected to exceed available supplies.

The campaign would attempt to use broadcast, print, and other media to raise the public awareness of electrical energy shortages and the consequences. Also, the campaign would promote specific actions energy consumers can take to reduce their use of electrical energy.

Publication date: 05/21/2001