WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) voted Monday to advance The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, also known as “Shaheen-Portman,” legislation he cosponsored to spur the use of energy-efficient technologies in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors of the economy. The measure was blocked by a Republican filibuster by a vote of 55-36.
“When we conserve energy, we reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources, save money, and help our environment. Everyone wins when it comes to energy efficiency, but tonight, for the second time in less than a year, Senate Republicans chose partisan politics over the American people. This bill, “Shaheen-Portman,” has brought so many diverse stakeholders together because it takes smart, meaningful steps to reduce our nation’s energy use and support thousands of American jobs. This is exactly the kind of commonsense legislation Americans expect their representatives to come together to support, and I am deeply disappointed in my colleagues for once again failing to live up to that basic expectation and fundamental responsibility. The longer Republicans delay passage of this legislation, the more money and energy will be needlessly wasted. I hope the Senate can soon move past this paralyzing gridlock and find a path forward for this strong, bipartisan bill.”