ICEE HOT Act Will Reduce Residential Building GHG Emissions and Improve Energy Security
WASHINGTON (May 4, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), chair of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate and Nuclear Safety, today introduced the installation of clean and efficient energy to accelerate our The Transition (ICEE HOT) Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation to reduce residential building greenhouse gas emissions by expanding the National Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program to encourage manufacturers and distributors of U.S.-made building electrification products such as heating and ventilation And improve energy security, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and water heaters.Currently, 7% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from residential buildings that use fossil fuels for space heating, water heating, and space cooling, accounting for 35% of total residential emissions.This legislation will not only transform the heat pump market, encourage home electrification, and improve grid reliability, but it will also reduce equipment costs for consumers.Additionally, the legislation would support the Justice 40 initiative by requiring that 40 percent of funding be used to provide rebates to vulnerable businesses or entities that employ vulnerable individuals.The bill would also support unionized labor by dedicating 40 percent of rebate funds to manufacturers and distributors that meet strict labor standards and employ unionized workers.Federal support is critical to ensuring that our transition to green energy is affordable for residents of Massachusetts and across the country.
Other co-sponsors of the ICEE HOT bill include Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (DN.J.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
“American consumers pay too much for dirty energy that pollutes communities and harms the health of their families. Now is the time for us to power our homes with clean, affordable and reliable American-made energy,” Senator Markey said .“The ICEE HOT Act will move households across America from expensive, dirty fossil fuels to cheaper, cleaner renewable energy. With this legislation, we can engage Americans in creating a clean energy revolution.”
“We need to tackle the climate crisis head-on. That’s why I’m delighted to be presenting with Senator Markey and my colleagues this legislation that will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, electrify our homes and lower our costs. Let’s get it done. This work,” Senator Warren said.
“For too long, corporate greed has led American consumers to pay exorbitant prices for energy,” Senator Sanders said.“Worse yet, pollution from dirty fossil fuels will only exacerbate the climate crisis. Shifting American households from expensive fossil fuels to energy efficient and affordable renewable energy is long overdue. This legislation will lower energy costs , creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we retrofit buildings.”
“Our nation must move away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change and strengthen our energy independence, and electrifying our homes is critical to that transition,” Senator Booker said.“This legislation will provide businesses with much-needed incentives to support more domestic production and sales of zero-emission home appliances such as heat pumps and induction cookers, as well as targeted investments in vulnerable businesses. These important incentives will also be supported by lowering new the cost of home heating and cooling equipment and other essential appliances to help consumers save money.”
“The transition to clean energy is happening and the question is whether our country leads or follows. I want us to lead,” Senator Smith said.“If we do nothing, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster. The good news is that taking action on climate also presents a huge economic opportunity. This legislation will encourage the adoption of heat pumps, which will help We use clean electricity made in the U.S. to increase our energy independence, reduce energy costs for our homes, reduce pollution and protect the planet.”
The ICEE HOT Act would allocate $10 billion to issue manufacturer and distributor rebates from FY 2023 through FY 2030.The legislation will bring benefits to stakeholders across the supply chain, including:
The ICEE HOT Act is endorsed by Earthjustice, Rocky Mountain Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and Rewiring America.
“Outdated furnaces powered by oil, propane and natural gas pollute our homes, pollute our air, and disproportionately harm underrepresented communities,” said Jack Konack, deputy legislative representative of the Earth Justice Society. Jake Kornack) said.”Heat pumps are a game-changer, providing a more affordable and cleaner alternative to heating and cooling our homes. We thank Senator Markey for this innovative solution to make heat pumps more affordable for American households, thereby Lower energy bills for consumers while paving the way for a clean energy future.”
“Providing incentives to increase the manufacture of high-efficiency appliances — such as heat pumps and induction cookers — will make American households healthier, create better-paying jobs, and boost our economy and energy security. Not only will these clean energy technologies reduce our exposure to foreign Dependence on oil and gas will also provide countless health and environmental benefits that will make our communities more resilient in the future,” said Alyssa Peterson, federal policy manager at the Rocky Mountain Institute.