Schumer announces plan calling for increased energy efficiency

NEW YORK -- Following the example of places like California and New York City, Sen. Charles Schumer on Monday announced a plan for federal regulations that would require states and municipalities to update building codes and increase building energy efficiency.

"There's a huge portion of energy consumption that goes into our buildings," Schumer said during a news conference at an energy efficient building in Times Square.

"Increasing our energy efficiency in America's residential and commercial buildings is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gases and energy consumption," he said.

His proposed amendment, which he plans to offer to the Senate's energy bill next week, would set targets of 30 percent increases in efficiency by 2012 and 50 percent increases by 2022 through a nationwide code. States could have their own codes, but would be required to meet those overall goals.

Not meeting the goals would result in penalties, but any city or municipal area meeting the standards would not be penalized.

"These improvements will have a staggeringly positive effect," Schumer said.

He pointed to the example set by New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who in April announced an extensive plan, PlaNYC, to reduce the city's greenhouse gases 30 percent by 2030, as well as by California, which has green building standards for many years.

Bloomberg, who attended the news conference, lauded the amendment from Schumer.

"We can't do it all at the local level," he said. "It's time for the federal government to stand up."