Johanna Neumann
Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America Research & Policy Center
STATEMENT: Efficient water heaters will cut pollution, save money, save lives
Media Contacts
Jon Maunder
Media Relations Specialist, The Public Interest Network
Abe Scarr
State Director, Illinois PIRG; Energy and Utilities Program Director, PIRG
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Tuesday new standards that require the most common-sized electric water heaters to become more energy-efficient by using heat pump technology. The announcement puts the Biden administration in striking distance of its pledge to save consumers $1 trillion and avert 2.5 billion metric tons of global warming pollution.
Throughout the rule-making period, Environment America Research & Policy Center and PIRG worked to educate the public and create opportunities to get involved. Advocates also met with DOE and urged the agency to finalize a strong rule.
Johanna Neumann, senior director of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, issued the following statement:
“The cleanest energy is the energy we never need to use in the first place. We all use hot water, so we’ll all benefit from the energy savings and pollution reductions that this rule will provide.
“In most homes, water heaters are the second biggest user of energy. By embracing a transition away from outdated, inefficient water heating technology, America has the opportunity to take a giant leap toward a cleaner, greener future.
“We applaud Secretary Granholm and President Biden for investing in America’s cleanest energy: efficiency and conservation.”
Abe Scarr, Energy and Utilities Program Director at U.S. PIRG Education Fund, issued the following statement:
“The cheapest kilowatt is the one the consumer never uses. If we saved energy rather than endlessly producing and consuming more of it from dirty inefficient sources, Americans could be richer, healthier and have more free time.
“Wiser energy use means cleaner air and healthier kids. Reducing energy waste in water heaters will cut smog and soot forming pollution that contributes to asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems and premature death.
“With this rule, the Biden administration is delivering Americans lower utility bills and better health.”