Stories like the extravagant financial toll of Lane County’s wildfire season remind Oregonians of the importance of climate change mitigation measures like clean energy policies. Oregonians know that the cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we never need to use.

But Congress is taking up legislation — H.B. 4626 — that would roll back energy-saving appliance standards. The bill would perpetuate energy waste and increase health-harming pollution.

As even modest wildfire seasons take their toll on Oregon, Congress can temper the environmental and health impacts of dirty forms of energy by protecting energy efficiency standards. These policies ensure that when Americans purchase appliances like refrigerators or washing machines, they run on up-to-date, energy-saving technologies. Last year, efficiency standards saved American households and businesses around $105 billion on utility bills.

Efficiency standards save Americans money, reduce air pollution and make doing more with less energy possible. Now is not the time to go backwards.

A vote for H.B. 4626 is a vote for energy waste. I hope U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle votes against it.

Caitlin Soch
Clean Energy Associate, Environment Oregon
Portland