Signed Energy Act sets tone for upcoming energy legislation debates
The Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, which President Obama signed into law on April 30, will add momentum to falling energy consumption per capita in the United States by reducing energy demand from commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, and homes. The relatively uncontroversial bill garnered bipartisan support from both chambers and is the first energy legislation to be enacted during the 114th Congress. The implications of reduced energy demand across the country will be downward pressure on coal and natural gas prices, particularly in the current period of supply abundance.
Strengthening building codes and enhancing commercial building design will expand energy efficiency industries and their ancillary sectors by increasing demand for their products and services. The bill will significantly benefit the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, as public disclosure of energy data will force retrofits and replacements.
