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Matheson Introduces Bill to Improve ENERGY STAR Participation

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), Jim Matheson (UT-4), and Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), introduced the ENERGY STAR Regulatory Improvement Act, legislation to address ENERGY STAR’s third-party certification requirement and its impact on program participation.

“Investing in energy efficiency is a great way to create jobs, save money, and build a better future for our country,” said Matheson.  “The EPA’s mandatory third-party certification requirement for ENERGY STAR products is creating unnecessary costs and is time consuming for small businesses, driving many away from participating in the program.  This bipartisan bill offers exemptions from the costly and burdensome testing requirements for sectors with strong records of compliance with ENERGY STAR, while still maintaining the integrity of the program.”

On March 7, 2011, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a final rule that imposed blanket third-party certification requirements for all products applying for participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program.  With the change, the EPA has unjustifiably increased the regulatory burden and cost of testing for many manufacturers. The ENERGY STAR Regulatory Improvement Act provides companies with a proven ENERGY STAR background, more freedom from third party certifications.

“I am pleased to co-sponsor a bill that cuts the cost and red tape that businesses must go through in order to get their products certified,” said Matheson.