Bingaman floats bill to make appliances more energy efficient

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) introduced legislation this week to make a wide range of appliances — including dishwashers, refrigerators and air conditioners — more energy efficient.

Bingaman’s office estimates the bill would save enough energy every year to power 4.6 million homes. It would also save consumers $43 billion, conserve 5 trillion gallons of water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, according to Bingaman’s office.

The bill is part of a broader effort by Bingaman to craft energy legislation that can pass the Senate this year. Bingaman is working closely with the White House to craft a proposal to get 80 percent of the country’s electricity from low-carbon sources like nuclear, wind and natural gas by 2035.

A version of the energy efficiency legislation — which also sets new standards for pool heaters and drinking water dispensers — was included in the broad energy legislation passed by Bingaman’s committee in 2009.

“Greater energy efficiency saves consumers money, strengthens our economy, enhances our national security, creates jobs, and reduces environmental impacts,” Bingaman said in a statement Friday.