WASHINGTON – The House has approved a modest bill to promote “clean energy” and increase energy efficiency while phasing out the use of coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are considered a major driver of global warming.The bill boosts renewable energy such as solar and wind power, sets stricter energy efficiency standards for buildings and authorizes grants to local communities for more efficient schools, homes and municipal buildings.The House approved the bill, 220-185, Thursday, sending it to the Senate, where a separate energy bill is pending.
The Senate bill, like the House measure, would phase out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, used as coolants, after an internal dispute among Senate Republicans was resolved earlier.