"The Senate is debating a bipartisan energy bill this week that if passed would become the first substantial energy legislation in six years."

"The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), brings together a number of energy-efficiency measures, like those to improve building codes, incentives for the use of more efficient products, and funding for research and development of more energy-efficient technologies. The bill would also push the federal government to adopt more efficient buildings and appliances.

The bill passed in committee by a 19 to 3 vote in May. A vote from the full body isn't expected until Thursday at the earliest."

Kate Sheppard reports for the Huffington Post September 11, 2013. [2]