Smart Electronics Act

Mr. Speaker, the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition has designated June 13-19 as ``High-Performance Building Week.'' During this week, we are recognizing the importance of energy efficient building design, with the goal of driving our country toward a more sustainable future.

Buildings throughout our nation are responsible for over 39 percent of our annual carbon emissions, and for 12 percent of the potable water consumption as well as over 70 percent of the electricity use in the United States. The dramatic energy consumption of our buildings is damaging in the long run, and it is imperative that we make energy efficiency part and parcel of the building and operations of our places of work and shelter.

As a Californian, I recognize the importance of sound energy policy and environmental protection. California stands as a leader in these fields, having a range of accomplishments related to our environment and energy independence. The city of San Jose has already begun the process of retrofitting and meeting green building standards with its Green Vision program. Universities throughout the state have installed solar systems to power their electricity needs. Students from high schools and universities in my district have formed recycling initiatives, built solar cars and houses for competitions, and held eco-friendly fundraising fashion shows; each of these steps may seem small but is a critical part of a bigger national stride.

The efforts of Californians are echoed by many in the House of Representatives. I was privileged to be a part of establishing the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition in order to deal with problems including that of the built environment. We feel it is essential that the House gives priority to consideration of energy and environmental issues, and applaud resolutions like H. Res. 1407, supporting the ideals of ``High-Performance Building Week,'' which focuses attention on all aspects of high-performance buildings, including the role they play in reducing impact of humans on our climate.

In addition to creating more energy-efficient buildings, we also need to address the efficiency of the electronics inside our homes. Our household electronics consume a massive amount of energy--the power to run them cost Americans $80 billion last year, but that is a small number compared to the projected $200 billion in electricity they will consume by 2030 unless something changes. We need to consider the potential for integrated smart electronics that will both heal the energy wounds we have created as well as provide a cost-effective solution for consumers. In April, I introduced the Smart Electronics Act, H.R. 5070, to help green the electronics industry by providing the private sector with reliable standards and incentives and by educating and empowering consumers to make smarter and more efficient choices-- all of which help cool the planet and keep Silicon Valley innovative.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I commemorate the progress we are making toward a sustainably responsible future. Focusing on creating energy-efficient building envelopes as well as smarter electronics inside homes inspires our communities to work toward the next generation of energy independence and environmental justice.