Senators Push for Higher Energy Efficiency for Small Businesses

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At the end of 2007, the U.S. Senate passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which included a handful of programs designed to promote energy efficiency among small businesses, provide loans for purchasing energy efficient products, and encourage the use of renewable energy by small businesses.

But more than eight months later, the Small Business Association has yet to act on those programs, so yesterday two members of the Senate's Committe on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senators John Kerry and Olympia Snowe, sent an open letter to acting SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, urging her to implement those programs.

"Small businesses are hurting and the SBA can help alleviate the strain of the current energy crisis," said Senator Kerry, the chairman of the committe. "Small businesses account for more than half of our fuel consumption, and we should give them the tools to become more energy efficient, whether it's loans to purchase renewable energy systems or effective telecommuting programs. Every drop of oil or kilowatt of electricity saved is more money in a company's bottom line."

Among the initiatives included on the wishlist are establishing an "Energy Clearinghouse" program developing in conjunction with the EPA's Energy Star program to educate small business owners and employees on the benefits of energy efficiency; offering grants to Small Business Development Centers around the country to perform pilot energy audits of businesses to help them reduce their energy consumption; developing an investment project to promote research and development of renewable energy resources keyed toward small business needs; and launching a small business telecommuting program to inform small business owners about the telecommuting options for them and their employees.

"The SBA has the opportunity and the responsibility to play a leading role in combating climate change and curbing skyrocketing energy prices," said Senator Snowe. "With energy prices where they are today, the SBA cannot afford to drag its feet and stand by while the American economy suffers."

The full text of the letter is available on the Small Business Committee website [PDF].

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