Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced the Lead by Example Act, legislation requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy to maintain a minimum temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit in their offices when air conditioning is in use. The bill also mandates a report to Congress detailing office temperatures since January 2021.
Ernst criticizes the Biden administration's "out-of-touch agenda" and "radical green agenda," arguing that if these temperature guidelines are suitable for the public, federal agencies should adhere to them as well. She aims to "make ‘em squeal and sweat!" with this measure.
The Senator's office referenced Energy Star recommendations from 2019, suggesting thermostat settings of 78 degrees in the morning, 85 degrees during the day, and 82 degrees at night. These guidelines, developed under the Trump administration, aim to conserve energy and reduce costs.
Energy Star also highlights the environmental impact of home energy consumption, noting that the average household's energy use generates double the greenhouse gas emissions of an average car. By reducing energy use, individuals can contribute to mitigating global warming, according to the program.
This legislation comes amidst the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to combat climate change, including recent appliance regulations, stricter vehicle emissions standards, and a power plant emissions plan that encourages the adoption of expensive technology or plant closures. Ernst has voiced concerns about rising electricity prices and the potential for power outages due to energy shortages resulting from plant closures.
