But Democrats and outside energy efficiency advocates said Deal's measure would pre-empt stronger fan efficiency requirements already approved or being considered in more than half dozen states, calling it a step backward in efforts to curb energy use.
Congress not only "is doing far too little to improve energy efficiency," but also "will pre-empt stronger state standards," said Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, arguing against Deal's measure.
That's just the problem. Federal power under our Constitution was NOT supposed to pre-empt the right of the states to pass their own laws. But since our courts have established a precedent, now we have a backwards system where federal laws undermine any similar state law, even if the state law has more stringent requirements. It's enough to make a Libertarian ill. I have to go lie down now. :)
Actually....refer to Article VI of the Constitution. This is the Supremacy Clause...when a federal statute and a state statute concern the same matter, the federal statute invalidates the state one. Whats important to note is that the Federal Government can't pass laws on every subject, just those enumerated in the Constitution. Its ironic, but while the Federal Government cannot restrict free speech, a state can.
ReplyDeleteWe use our ceiling fan when we are running our air conditioner…it helps save energy by making the room feel cooler.
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