Join us for the 21st District Town Hall!
Saving energy, saving money
The best way to conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint is to use less. That’s why I was happy to vote for House Bill 1444, which updates the state’s Efficiency Standard Code by requiring more private and commercial appliances and products in the state to reduce energy and water use.
The bill raises efficiency standards on 17 products, ranging from air compressors, commercial fryers and dishwashers, to faucets, showerheads and water coolers, among others. A complete list can be found in the bill analysis.
According to state Department of Commerce estimates, over the next 15 years the bill would save:
- $2 billion of net cost savings;
- Nearly 10 million megawatt-hours of electricity;
- 5 million therms of natural gas;
- 149 billion gallons of water; and
- 98 million metric tons of carbon.
The bill also creates a first-in-the-nation standard requiring electric water heaters to “talk” to the energy grid so that electricity use can be managed to produce more output during peak usage, and conserve energy during down times.
The bill passed the House last week, and is now under consideration in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.
Addressing the opioid crisis
For so many in our community, substance use disorder is a daily struggle. Whether affected themselves, or watching a friend, family member, or neighbor struggle, most people have some experience with the growing opioid epidemic.
Making progress in the fight against the opioid crisis has been a top legislative priority for me since joining the Legislature in 2015. Last week saw the House pass some critical legislation around opioids, including House Bill 1528, which will address housing needs in the recovery community, as well as House Bill 1039, which will put opioid overdose medication in schools and college dorms across the state.
Learn more about the fight against the public health crisis caused by opioids and the upcoming 21st Legislative District Town Hall in my latest video update.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions, comments, or ideas!
Sincerely,
Rep. Strom Peterson