Democrats and Republicans came together in the House on Wednesday to pass legislation designed to boost energy-efficiency programs. The vote was 375-36.

The bill authored by Reps. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., included a number of provisions aimed at energy conservation, including legislation nicknamed "Tenant Star" that creates incentives for landlords and tenants to boost energy savings in commercial properties.

The package also included proposals sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., to promote energy efficiency within federal agencies, and by Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., to increase efficiency standards for grid-enabled water heaters.

Welch emphasized the bipartisan nature of the legislation during debate on the House floor Tuesday.

"I have long believed that energy efficiency is an area where we have common ground in what is too often a very divided Congress," he said.

To read entire article, click here.