House committee hears heated testimony on fossil fuel infrastructure bills
A House committee heard testimony early last week both for and against bills that would restrict fossil fuel infrastructure, though the majority of those testifying endorsed a ban on future infrastructure. The majority of the 51 people who spoke at the House Energy and Technology Committee public hearing at the Statehouse were in favor of the measures. A few of the attendees wore yellow vests which is in reference to the French grassroots movement that is calling for lower fuel taxes. Last year’s IPCC report stated that capping global warming at a 1.5 degrees Celsius increase would require worldwide carbon dioxide emissions to decline 45 percent from 2010 levels in the next 12 years. The committee took testimony earlier this month from environmental advocates, the natural gas industry and fuel dealers on the bills. Committee Chair Rep. Timothy Briglin, D-Thetford, said the committee may take additional testimony on the bills in the next few weeks, but he does not anticipate voting the bills out this year. The public hearing comes on the heels of a five-day climate solutions march earlier this month. Refer to the following link for additional information on the above topics: https://vtdigger.org/2019/04/24/house-committee-hears-heated-testimony-fossil-fuel-infrastructure-bills/
US Government Affairs Updates (partial listing as reported by ASHRAE.org,)
DOE Announces 2nd Public Meeting and Extends Comment Period for the Process Rule
The U.S. Department of Energy will hold a second public meeting on April 11 regarding proposed procedures for use in new or revised energy conservation standards and test procedures for consumer products and commercial/industrial equipment (aka the “Process Rule”). This public meeting is a continuation of the meeting held on March 21. The proposed rulemaking by DOE made several changes to the Process Rule, including clarifications on how it would apply to equipment covered by ASHRAE Standard 90.1. The proposal also would expand early opportunities for public input, define a “significant energy savings” threshold for adopting or amending energy conservation standards and would provide for DOE to publish final test procedures at least 180 days in advance of a related standards proposal. The deadline for comments on the proposal rule has been extended to May 6, 2019.
Building Technologies Office 2019 Peer Review
EERE’s Building Technology Office (BTO) has released its 2018 BTO Peer Review Report and announced the 2019 BTO Peer Review will take place April 15–18, 2019.
DOE’s 2019 National Energy Codes Conference
“The National Energy Codes Conference is the only national event dedicated solely to building energy codes, providing attendees with a great opportunity to network with peers, engage with leading experts, and learn about the latest innovative technologies and solutions in the building sector.” This year’s event will be in Denver, Colorado May 28–30.
Court Reaffirms HFC Case
On April 5, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a per curium judgment reaffirming its decision from last year that the EPA was not authorized to regulate hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) under the Clean Air Act. The EPA published these rules under the Obama administration that would phase down HFCs to align with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
For more information visit:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/13/2019-01854/energy-conservation-program-for-appliance-standards-proposed-procedures-for-use-in-new-or-revised
For a complete up to date listing of Federal, U.S. Congressional, State and Local Government Affairs activities listed by ASHRAE, refer to the following link:
https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ASHRAE&message_id=16821833
Rob Ward
GAC Committee Member