ESFI Commends Senate on Passage of Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010

Arlington, VA– The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) commends the U.S. Senate on its passage, by unanimous consent, of S. 3250, the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010.

 

This legislation requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to work with trade associations, professional societies and apprentice training providers to make sure that federal facility managers are trained to implement and properly use existing energy-efficient technologies. The training will focus on creating a safe environment for building personnel while ensuring that federal government facilities are operated at the highest possible level of energy efficiency.

 

“The Senate’s swift passage of this legislation confirms that the federal government is committed to saving energy and money, but not at the expense of public safety and welfare,” said ESFI president Brett Brenner. “ESFI encourages the House to follow suit, and stands ready to work with GSA on their electrical safety awareness initiatives once this legislation becomes law.”

 

The federal government is the single largest user of energy in the United States, consuming 1.6 percent of the nation’s total energy–about $17.5 billion in annual energy costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $5.5 billion allocated to the GSA, which oversees more than 500,000 federal buildings and facilities, to perform upgrades and renovations with a focus on energy performance.

 

The Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 (S. 3250) was originally introduced on April 23, 2010 by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Companion legislation (H.R. 5112) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO), and Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL).

 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the importance of electrical safety. ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of the steps that can be taken to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities in the home, school, and workplace. Visit www.electrical-safety.org to learn more about ESFI and electrical safety.

 

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