Energy efficiency rules

The European Parliament energy committee (ITRE) today voted on new EU legislation on energy efficiency and savings (1). The committee approved proposals by Green draftsperson/rapporteur Claude Turmes to strengthen the legislative draft, including binding targets and binding measures, with a view to ensuring the EU realises its target of reducing energy consumption 20% by 2020. After the vote, the EP rapporteur/draftsperson, Green MEP Claude Turmes said:

"A broad majoirty of MEPs has today voted for tougher rules on energy efficiency, with binding measures and targets, to ensure the EU delivers on its pledge to reduce energy consumption 20% by 2020. Realising the EU's energy saving target not only makes sense in terms of meeting our energy security and climate change goals, it also makes broader economic sense, stimulating economic activity and creating millions of jobs, whilst bringing down energy bills for businesses and households.