The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute recently announced its support for legislation that would establish federal standards for carbon-monoxide detectors.

The Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act is sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).

In addition to national guidelines for the devices, the bill would encourage states to mandate their use in all homes. The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

“This legislation will protect homeowners from an easily avoidable tragedy,” said Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of the AHRI. “We strongly encourage Congress to act on this legislation before adjournment.”