Appliance efficiency standards could cut climate pollution

Environment Massachusetts pushes for energy efficiency provisions

Environment America

BOSTON — As Massachusetts battles a lingering drought that has called attention to the need to conserve water in the state, a policy that would save water and energy is currently pending as part of a package of climate legislation under consideration on Beacon Hill. Environment Massachusetts is calling on the state legislature to move in the right direction by including appliance efficiency standards as part of this climate package.

“Appliance standards are the most powerful climate policy you’ve never heard of,” said Environment Massachusetts Energy Conservation and Efficiency Associate Brynn Furey. “As we are experiencing abnormal climate patterns, it is incumbent that Massachusetts does what it can to protect our air, land and water. Making sure our appliances don’t waste water or energy is a commonsense step towards a cleaner and greener world.”

After passing through the Massachusetts state House and Senate, the proposed efficiency standards are now pending before a conference committee as part of a broader package of climate bills. If adopted, these standards would require appliances and plumbing fixtures in 17 different categories — from commercial dishwashers to household faucets — to use energy and water more efficiently. The new standards would protect consumers and the environment by reducing electricity and water use as well as limiting greenhouse gas emissions. 

The benefits from these efficiency standards include the following: 

• By 2025, the act would prevent 113 thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere which is the equivalent of taking 24,000 cars off of the road each year. 

• In the same time period, it would save enough water to meet the annual needs of 61,000 American families. 

• The proposed standards would also significantly reduce utility bills. By 2035, consumers could save $282 million annually.  

“Reducing waste is an easy way to make a big difference for a cleaner, healthier environment.” Furey said. “The conference committee should include appliance efficiency standards in any climate bill that passes this session, to protect our health, conserve water and ensure a more sustainable future for our families.”

Environment Massachusetts is calling on constituents to contact their state legislators and voice support for appliance standards as a part of the final climate bill that is drafted by the conference committee. 

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Environment Massachusetts works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment Massachusetts is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups.