Castor Rails Against Republicans' Refusal to Support Energy-Efficient Standards

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) blamed Republicans for “ripping into your wallets” as they allegedly do not support standards for energy-efficient appliances, standards that she supports.

During a committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Rep. Castor argued that energy-efficient appliances have been “widely popular.”

“Energy-efficient home appliances are popular because they help our neighbors save money on their electric bills. They help us reduce climate pollution that is fueling other very costly impacts. Energy-efficiency standards are effective and they are widely popular,” said Rep. Castor. “And it was the Congress that decades ago directed the Department of Energy to work with appliance manufacturers and consumer groups and anyone else who wanted to weigh in on how we routinely improve appliances that help us at home.”

She continued by mentioning that energy-efficient appliances have been an “American success story.”

The energy efficiency standards over the years have been a great success, an American success story, especially in helping consumers save money. Here’s a red alert that should go out to families all across this country, especially in essence, Republicans are now reaching into your pocketbooks to take those savings away. And it’s no wonder that you all didn’t have any legislative hearings on this bill,” said Rep. Castor.

Furthermore, Castor touted President Joe Biden (D) and his administration’s energy-efficiency record.

“The Biden administration’s past and planned energy efficiency actions will save Americans $570 billion and reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 2.4 billion metric tons over the next 30 years. This translates into real savings for our neighbors back home. For example, newly proposed standards for water heaters alone could save households over $200 per year, but don’t take it from me, take it from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. They’re not the ones pushing these bills that reach into our neighbor’s pocketbooks and take their money out of their wallets.”

The Florida congresswoman concluded her remarks in part by saying, “When you say it’s okay for consumers to pay higher electric bills, despite the fact that home appliance manufacturers are for these same energy efficiency standards, something’s wrong. Something’s rotten in Denmark. Something’s rotten right here.”

However, Castor’s potential general election opponent, John Peters (R) issued a response to Castor’s speech during the hearing.

"Photo op, Kathy let the market decide what’s best for the consumer. We have much bigger problems that need to be solved. Please start looking for solutions. Please stop blaming Republicans for all that’s wrong. After 18 years, you still don’t have solutions. Times up,” said Peters.

Castor represents Florida’s 14^th Congressional District.