AHAM's Blog

LIVE: AHAM President Testifies Before U.S. Senate on Energy Standards

Click here between 9:30 and noon today to watch a panel, including AHAM president Joe McGuire, testify before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

You can also copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.LiveStream

 

Watch Wayne Morris' House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Testimony

Wayne Morris, AHAM's VP, Division Services, recommended improvements to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database in testimony delivered on February 17. You can watch a video of the hearing below.

 

AHAM Testifies on CPSC Consumer Product Safety Information Database

AHAM VP Wayne Morris testified yesterday before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing and Trade to recommend improvements to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database, which was authorized under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). 

The Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database will enable any member of the public to submit reports of harm involving consumer products. Manufacturers and private labelers identified in reports will be provided a limited opportunity to comment on the reports.

AHAM’s testimony supports the creation of a public database. However, the current design and operation of the website:

• decreases the quality and accuracy of information that will keep consumers safe
• places unreasonable burdens on manufacturers
• does not require timely resolution of good faith material inaccuracy claims

AHAM’s specific recommendations and a full copy of the testimony can be read on AHAM's website.

Follow Midterm Election Coverage on AHAM.org

You can get the latest updates on the 2010 election results on the AHAM website.  AHAM is publishing coverage from BIPAC, which allows you to view all of the House, Senate and Gubernatorial results by state.  Click on the map to see what's happening in your state!

NPR Talks Appliance Rebate with AHAM

AHAM was intervied by NPR's Weekend Edition last Sunday to discuss the Department of Energy's (DOE) stimulus program for ENERGY STAR appliances.  Jill Notini, AHAM's VP Communications and Marketing, went on the air with guest host Jacki Lyden where she explained exactly how this "Cash for Appliances" rebate program will work, when you can get your rebate, and how much you can get for purchasing a new energy efficient appliance. 

Listen to the interview here!

Cash for Appliances on NPR

"Cash for Refrigerators" on FOX Business and where to find the deals NOW!

• You don't need to wait until November to take advantage of rebates for ENERGY STAR rated appliances!  Check out the ENERGY STAR web site to see if there is already a special offer in your area.  Many manufacturers, states and utilities already have incentive programs in place such as rebates and tax holidays.
• According to the Department of Energy, all 50 states and 6 territories have already turned in their initial applications to qualify for the rebate, and the final plans are due on October 15th.  After these plans are approved by the DOE, you will know which ENERGY STAR appliances will qualify for rebates and the amount of each rebate in your state. 
• This program will offer consumer rebates in the ballpark of $50 - $200 depending on the appliance purchased.  This will help offset the initial purchase cost of the product, but consumers should think about the ongoing utility savings by using a new efficient appliance.  Retiring a 10-year-old clothes washer will save you $135 per year in electricity costs, and more than 5,000 gallons of water will be saved.

ABC World News Tonight Segment on Appliance Rebate will Air Tonight

Breaking news regarding Michael Jackson's death suspended Joe McGuire's interview with Charles Gibson that was scheduled for Monday's edition of ABC World News Tonight.  You will be able to watch the full story tonight, at 6:30 p.m. EST on ABC. 

AHAM President on ABC World News Tonight!

Tune in to ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson where AHAM President Joseph McGuire will speak about the energy efficient appliance rebate program.  His interview will air tonight at 6:30 p.m. EST!

Below is a shot of Joe's interview with Reuters TV.

Breakfast with Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)

I attended a small breakfast meeting this morning with Congressman Chaffetz, who is a Republican member from Utah and is a member of the Judiciary, Natural Resources and Oversight & Government Reform Committees.

Chaffetz is a freshman Member of Congress who says that his success in the election was due to grassroots effort and using social media outlets such as Facebook and YouTube.

I informed him about the recent release of funding for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, in which Utah may participate if the state energy office sends their initial application to the Department of Energy by August 15.  The Congressman was not aware of the release of the solicitation for this program and appreciated learning about it.  The Congressman, in jest, was disappointed, as he just purchased a new refrigerator and cooktop.  I reassured him that there is no reason for him to have buyer’s remorse because he would be seeing savings in his utility bill due to the fact that the average energy use of a new refrigerator is about the same as a 60W light bulb left on 24 hours a day.

BIG NEWS! DOE INITIATES APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM

Today the Department of Energy announced the funding for the Energy Efficient Appliance Consumer Rebate Program, which will deliver direct rebates to consumers for the purchase of ENERGY STAR appliances.  AHAM has been working with the DOE since this program was first announced in the stimulus bill, a.k.a the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as we believe it is the most practical and effective step a homeowner can take to increase energy efficiency of their home and immediately reduce utility bills.   

 

Now, it is up to each State Energy Office to register its interest in obtaining funding for this program.  Several states already have announced that they will be applying for the funding.  Arizonans could get $6.2 million for appliances!   Missouri and Kansas are lining up for their share of the funding.  Residents of New Mexico are ready to help stimulate the economy and decrease their energy bills with their share of the funding, amounting to $2 million.  

AHAM encourages the states to submit their plans to DOE early to put money in their residents’ hands as quickly as possible.   

If you are in the market for a new appliance, tell us what you think, and which appliance you will buy first.