On Thursday, April 18, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) formally reintroduced the Shaheen-Portman Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness (ESIC) Act. During the NASEO-ASERTTI Energy Outlook Conference in February and through subsequent conference calls and meetings, NASEO and the State Energy Offices provided input and insight on specific provisions within the bill. The ESIC is intended to spur the use of energy efficiency Of specific interest to the states, the legislation supports the development of national model energy codes, creates a private sector commercial buildings energy efficiency financing initiative operated through the State and Territory Energy Offices, reauthorizes the existing industrial research and assessment centers, establishes a sustainable manufacturing initiative and a Supply Star program, and creates an incentive for the purchase of new energy efficient transformers by owners of commercial or multifamily residential buildings. The ESIC has already been endorsed by a coalition of more than 200 businesses, trade associations, and advocacy groups. NASEO supports this legislation and will promote its passage in Congress. A one-page summary is also available.