Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) has received the Energy Leadership Award from the U.S. Energy Association and Johnson Controls for his exemplary leadership in instituting and advancing energy efficiency in the United States.
“Thanks to the U.S. Energy Association and Johnson Controls for this very special award,” Congressman Welch said. “Energy efficiency is common sense public policy. Simply put, it’s a no brainer – new jobs, lower bills and cleaner environment. We have made real progress in finding common ground in Congress on this issue but there is much more we can do. I am excited about the prospects of America leading the world on energy efficiency as Vermont has led the nation.”
“Congressional leaders play a critical role in the pursuit of a more energy efficient world. We commend Representative Welch and his colleagues for their bipartisan work to advance energy efficiency legislation to fuel job creation, boost economies and drive sustainability,” said Mark Wagner, vice president government relations, Johnson Controls.
“Only through sustained leadership from lawmakers will the U.S. continue to be a global leader on energy. Today we recognize Representative Welch for his dedicated work to promote energy efficiency policies and move our country towards the sustainable supply and use of energy,” said Barry Worthington, executive director, United States Energy Association (USEA).
The award was presented as part of the 26th annual Energy Efficiency Forum, a nonpartisan, noncommercial event that raises awareness for the many benefits of energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) is the only other recipient of this year’s Energy Leadership Award.
Previous recipients of this award include: former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Representative Steve Israel (D-NY).
Welch has long been a champion for energy efficiency. Most recently, Welch’s Energy Efficiency Improvement Act was signed into law on April 30, 2015. The Energy Efficiency Improvement Act certifies the energy performance of commercial rental properties, removes a regulatory barrier to the use of large scale water heaters, and encourages energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings.