Latta on House energy conference panel

VW independent/submitted information

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) was appointed by Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wisconsin) to serve on the bipartisan conference committee that will negotiate a final comprehensive energy package to be considered by the House and Senate.

“I am honored to be appointed as a conferee, and I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues on comprehensive energy reform. Energy policy in the United States is decades old, and our country needs an energy policy that reflects the abundant energy supply that we are so fortunate to have,” said Latta. “Updating energy policy will be vital to continuing to grow the economy of Ohio and the rest of the United States, while also furthering the goal of American energy security.”

“Having Bob Latta on this conference committee assures that we have a strong voice fighting for energy efficiency and grid reliability,” Ryan said. “These are priorities that Bob has been working for years, and getting this bill done is critical to our energy future. I am honored to make this appointment.”

Provisions included in the House passed package for conference authored by Rep. Latta include:

Critical Electric Infrastructure Security: This section would establish a new section 215A of the Federal Power Act that provides the Secretary of Energy the authority to address grid security emergencies if the President provides a written directive or determination identifying a grid security emergency. It also facilitates the protection and voluntary sharing of critical electric infrastructure information between private sector asset owners and the Federal government.

Voluntary Verification Programs for Air Conditioning, Furnace, Boiler, Heat Pump, and Water Heater Products: This section requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to recognize voluntary verification programs for air conditioning, furnace, boiler, heat pump, and water heating products to demonstrate compliance with DOE energy efficiency and conservation standards and the Energy Star program.

No Warranty for Certain Certified Energy Star Products: This section would promote continued development of energy efficient appliances through the Energy Star Program by deterring class action lawsuits that could undermine participation in the program.

WaterSense: This section would codify the voluntary WaterSense program at EPA. It specifies the categories of products that are eligible for WaterSense listing and also the guidelines for developing criteria and reviewing standards.

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council: This section would create an official advisory board to serve as counsel to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture on policies that benefit recreational hunting and wildlife resources.

Film Crews on Federal Land: This section would direct the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to require annual permits and assess annual fees for commercial filming activities on federal land for film crews of five persons or fewer, helping to rectify disparity in application and approval regulations between smaller crews and larger, well-funded counterparts.