Supply Star Act Tackles Supply Chain Energy Efficiencies

Four senators introduced a bill this week designed to increase energy efficiencies in supply chains, according to a government press release. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Scott Brown (R-M.A.), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) worked together on the Supply Star Act of 2010, according to the U.S. Senate’s energy website, which will primarily affect small and medium-sized businesses. The bill would build on the Department of Energy’s existing Energy Star program, which helps identify energy efficient appliances to consumers, and provides tax credits toward their purchase.

The Supply Star program aims provide companies with financing, technical support, training and sector-wide networks to help improve their supply chain efficiency. The program also would provide public recognition to businesses which achieve the greatest efficiency improvements, rewarding them with a marketing tool that will help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, according to the web site.

The bill follows on the heels of another authored by Pryor in March, the Building Star Act, which would provide $6 billion in incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in commercial and multi-family apartments. That bill is currently making its way through Congress.