Environment Rhode Island urges officials to adopt energy-saving standards for common products
Policy would cut carbon pollution by 24 thousand metric tons
Environment Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE— Environment Rhode Island joined environmental and consumer allies to urge the state legislature to adopt updated appliance efficiency standards on 17 products, including commercial dishwashers, commercial fryers, water coolers and faucets. The new standards could significantly reduce energy use, subsequently reducing climate altering carbon dioxide pollution, saving water resources and reducing air quality pollutants.
Adopting the recommended standards in Rhode Island would annually prevent 24 thousand metric tons of climate-altering carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere — the equivalent of taking over 5,200 cars off of the road each year. The standards would also prevent pollution from nitrogen oxides (smog-causing pollution) and sulfur dioxide (a fine particulate pollution).
“Appliance efficiency standards are a sensible and significant way to improve the health of both people and the planet,” said Allie Astor on behalf of Environment Rhode Island. “Applying these common sense measures will take a big bite out of pollution by reducing the amount of unnecessary energy wasted by common products.”
These standards would result in annual savings of approximately 62 gigawatts of electricity in Rhode Island by 2025, according to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, a national organization working to advance, win and defend new efficiency standards for appliances, equipment and lighting. That’s enough to meet the electricity needs of over 8,000 households.
Annual water savings are estimated to reach 633 million gallons by 2025, enough to meet the annual water consumption needs of 11,000 households. In addition, by 2025, this measure would save Rhode Island consumers $23 million annually.
“Rhode Island’s outdated energy and water efficiency standards force our businesses and residents to pay high utility bills while wasting energy and water. Appliance standards are a key (and straightforward!) part of reducing emissions, conserving valuable water resources, and keeping utility bills low,” said Kai Salem, Program Associate at Green Energy Consumers Alliance.
“States can lead-by-example in supporting minimum product efficiency standards that lock in long-term energy savings, align efficiency programs with climate plans, and provide value as part of an integrated carbon reduction plan,” added Claire Miziolek, Senior Manager of Technology and Market Solutions at Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP).
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Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are dedicated to protecting our air, water, and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state, and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. For more information, visit www.environmentrhodeislandcenter.org