Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Peter Welch Introduce Bill to Increase Energy Efficiency Capabilities Across America
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), joined by her colleague Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), introduced legislation that would boost the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase energy efficiency capabilities across America. Studies have estimated that a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) would save consumers over $56 billion on their energy bills and could create 400,000 jobs. “Increasing our energy efficiency is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut back on the amount of energy we use overall,” said Sen. Smith. “This bill would save families money on energy costs and build upon the good work that states are already doing, including by leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act’s unprecedented federal investment in clean energy efficient technologies.” “Vermont is proud to be a national leader in the fight against climate change—including the first statewide energy efficiency utility in the country. These efforts have transformed the way Vermonters use energy, saving billions of dollars in energy bills, creating green jobs, and eliminating millions of tons of carbon emissions in the process. The American Energy Efficiency Act builds on Vermont’s success by establishing a nationwide efficiency standard for retail electric and natural gas utilities and making efficiency upgrades more affordable for families across the country,” said Senator Welch. Specifically, the American Energy Efficiency Act would build upon state successes to establish a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS). This bill would help all states benefit from commercial, cost-effective energy savings technologies by: You can read the full text of the bill here and view the one-pager here. ###
Statement from U.S. Senator Tina Smith on the Biden Administration’s Approval of Minnesota’s Request for Disaster Declaration
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s approval of Minnesota’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. “Minnesotans are struggling right now — these floods have turned people’s worlds upside down. I appreciate the swift declaration from President Biden following our request for aid,” said Senator Smith. “Minnesota needs help, and the federal government is answering. These unlocked resources will make an important difference as communities get back on their feet and we work to rebuild.” The declaration applies to 22 counties, though that list is expected to grow as more damage estimates are completed. This week, Senators Klobuchar and Smith led the entire bipartisan Minnesota congressional delegation in urging President Biden to approve Minnesota’s request. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Funding to Improve Water Systems in Faribault County
WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/01/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $4 million in federal funding to replace and improve the wastewater system in the city of Kiester, Minnesota. The project will replace outdated, fractured pipes and provide maintenance improvements to the water treatment facility. “Upgrading our wastewater infrastructure is essential to the health and safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “By enabling key improvements to the city’s water treatment facilities and systems, these resources will make a real difference for families in Kiester.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating outdated water systems
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Funding to Improve Water Systems in Renville County
WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/01/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $830,00 in federal funding to replace and improve water and sewage systems in the city of Olivia, Minnesota. The project will replace deteriorated storm drainage systems, hydrants, and water and sewer mains. “When we invest in wastewater infrastructure and storm drainage systems, we invest in the safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “These resources will enable key upgrades to Olivia’s outdated water treatment facilities and storm pipes, helping to protect the health and safety of families across the city.” “It may not be the flashiest
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/30/22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Their resolution highlights the importance of early detection of lung cancer to help save lives. It also recognizes the need for research to improve early diagnosis, screening and treatment. “We need to take every possible step to fight this terrible disease that kills far too many people in Minnesota and across the country each year,” said Sen. Smith. “Raising awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals can help detect the cancer earlier, and
Senator Smith, Colleagues Question RealPage CEO on Role in Exacerbating Housing Inflation
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing, Transportation and Community Development Subcommittee, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to RealPage CEO Dana Jones, expressing concern about RealPage’s algorithmic pricing software, and its role in driving rising rents across the country. This letter follows reporting indicating that the software, YieldStar, may push affordable housing for families further out of reach by “artificially inflating rents and stifling competition,” creating a rent-hike race to the top. According to a ProPublica investigation, YieldStar, a “software that uses a mysterious algorithm
English