(a) Energy efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the State assure consumers and businesses that such products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thereby reducing energy and water waste and saving consumers and businesses money on their utility bills;

(b) Energy efficiency standards save energy and therefore reduce climate-changing emissions and other environmental impacts associated with the production, distribution, and use of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels;

(c) Energy efficiency standards save water, mitigate the effects of short- and long-term droughts, and help to conserve fresh water supplies;

(d) Energy efficiency standards produce savings resulting from more efficient products that benefit all consumers but are especially important to low-income families which spend a disproportionate share of their income on utilities. Such standards also help the State and local economy since savings can be instead spent on local goods and services; and

(e) Energy and water savings help reduce or delay the need for expensive investments in new power plants, transmission lines, distribution system upgrades, new and expanded gas pipelines, and water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

L.2021, c.464, s.1.