The Honorable Fred Upton
Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Henry Waxman
Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations, and dedicated to promoting, protecting, and defending America’s free enterprise system, supports H.R. 2689, the “Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act.” This bill would promote the usage of performance contracts, including Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs), to improve energy efficiency in federal facilities without any upfront costs to taxpayers.
The Chamber has been a longstanding supporter of ESPCs and UESCs because these contracts lead to job creation in the private sector and greater energy efficiency within the federal government. H.R. 2689 would increase the use of energy efficiency performance contracts to upgrade federal buildings, create jobs, and save taxpayers money, all without requiring additional appropriations. The bill would improve transparency and accountability of ESPCs and UESCs.
The Chamber strongly supports H.R. 2689, the “Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act.” We commend you for your leadership in creating a path forward for this important legislation.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
cc: Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee