Ohio Manufacturers' Association and Ohio Advanced Energy Economy Announce Support of Portman's Bipartisan Energy Efficiency Bill

Washington, D.C. – Two leading Ohio business organizations announced their support for The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, energy efficiency legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The legislation passed the Energy and Natural Resources committee with broad bipartisan support and is expected to come before the full Senate.

In a letter last week, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and Ohio Advanced Energy Economy wrote, “Ohio businesses and manufacturers are firmly behind commonsense, cost-effective energy efficiency measures like those in the bill. They make good business sense, helping to reduce energy consumption, bring new technologies on line faster, produce energy savings for businesses and families alike and encourage private sector job creation that makes our economy more competitive and our communities stronger.”

The full letter is below and can also be found here.

September 4, 2013

The Honorable Rob Portman
United States Senate
448 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Portman:

We are writing to thank you for your leadership in sponsoring the bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013.

Ohio businesses and manufacturers are firmly behind commonsense, cost-effective energy efficiency measures like those in the bill. They make good business sense, helping to reduce energy consumption, bring new technologies on line faster, produce energy savings for businesses and families alike and encourage private sector job creation that makes our economy more competitive and our communities stronger. As leaders of two Ohio business organizations, we understand the importance of energy efficiency for improving competitiveness.

Ohio is at the forefront when it comes to energy efficiency. Currently, the state is home to 400 business and organizations involved in energy efficiency commercial activity and research. In total, this sector generates $2.1 billion annually in revenue and employs almost 10,000 Ohioans.

We want to offer our assistance in helping get this important piece of legislation across the finish line this fall. Passage of the Shaheen-Portman energy legislation is a critical first step that will put Washington on a balanced energy diet by adopting energy-saving systems and best practices that make its operations more efficient and save taxpayer money and dollars for families nationwide. This is something that all Americans can appreciate.

We look forward to working with you on this important legislation.

Sincerely,

Eric Burkland                                        Ted Ford
President                                              President & CEO
The Ohio Manufacturers Association        Ohio Advanced Energy Economy