AHAM's Blog

Update from Egypt: Montreal Protocol Meetings

The Parties of the Montreal Protocol reconvened today to continue its discussions. The morning agenda included several items that generally do not affect AHAM members such as nominations for essential-use exemptions for 2010 and 2011, amendments to the handbook on essential-use nominations, and issues related to methyl bromide.  The Technology & Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) also presented a report that included various matters, including alternatives to HCFCs in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors in developing countries.

On a more pertinent note to the appliance industry, contact groups, or break out sessions were formed to create dialogue on important issues.   AHAM participated in the “High GWP alternatives to ODS and proposed amendment” contact group and presented the highlights of the North American proposal to address HFCs in the Montreal Protocol.  The group members asked questions related to the financial, legal and political impact of the North American proposal. 

**Updated with a photo from Egypt! 

  

AHAM Attending Montreal Protocol Meetings in Egypt

AHAM's VP, Government Relations, Kevin Messner, will be attending the Twenty-First Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer from November 4-8 in Port Ghalib, Egypt.  During the meetings, AHAM will be focused on the HFC phase-down discussions and the North American amendment to deal with HFCs.

Check back next week when Kevin will be able to share some of AHAM's accomplishments during the meeting. 

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.

Breakfast with Congresswoman Halvorson

I attended a small breakfast meeting this morning with Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, who is a Democratic member from Illinois and is a member of the Agriculture Committee.  It was a very timely meeting because the Agriculture Committee had a hearing on the climate change legislation later in the day.

The Congresswoman’s perspectives are very helpful because she is a freshman Member of Congress and in a swing congressional district (this seat was formerly held by Republican Jerry Weller, Bush won in 2000 and 2004, and Obama won with 53% of the vote).  She is also a member of the “New Democrat Coalition,” which is a group of “moderate, pro-growth” Democratic members.

I asked her for her views on a national marketplace and the weakening of this concept in the Waxman-Markey energy legislation.  She stated that she came from a state legislature (she was a State Senator) so she understands the desire for states to deal with standards; however, as a former small business person, she was well aware of the need for a national market.

Halvorson was willing to listen and learn-- a great attribute for a Member of Congress.  Thanks to Congresswoman Halvorson for taking the time out of her day to have breakfast with various associations and understand the issues that are on our minds.

The Need for Balanced Federal Energy Legislation

Congress is spending significant time this year on energy efficiency legislation, with a keen focus on appliance efficiency.  Both houses of Congress have committees developing new provisions relating to the development of appliance efficiency standards while the Department of Energy is struggling to comply with a federal court ordered schedule to complete work on several appliance standards.  This is while the agency is also attempting to adhere to additional new requirements on appliance efficiency included in laws enacted in 2005 and 2007.  AHAM is involved in influencing the outcome of the 2009 energy legislation to ensure an adequately funded federal program that blends national efficiency requirements, and education and incentive programs that encourage manufacturers and consumers to seek even higher efficiency products.

While AHAM is encouraged that the new legislation embraces the potentially game changing application of smart grid technology to home appliances, we are nonetheless concerned that portions of the legislation will do more harm than good to a well thought out national appliance efficiency program.