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Thursday, September 19, 2024

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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Crank those Air Conditioners - to Maximum Energy Efficiency

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Thursday, August 9, 2007   

A cool, air-conditioned office or shopping mall may be a nice break from August heat, but it comes at a cost. A new lawsuit is calling on the U.S. Department of Energy to require higher energy-efficiency standards for new air conditioners and heat pumps in commercial buildings.

Tim Ballo with Earthjustice says the change would lead to massive energy savings and a cut in global warming pollution, and with Wisconsin's reliance on coal for electricity, that will lead to cleaner air, too.

"For all the electricity that you don't have to generate to use in air conditioners and heat pumps, that's less air pollution that's gonna be emitted by the power plants in Wisconsin, and less air pollution that you're gonna have to breathe."

While more efficient commercial air conditioners would be more costly up front, Ballo notes the electricity savings pay off down the road.

"According to the Department of Energy's own studies, these products would save the customers money in the long run. Even within just a few years, the energy savings would pay back the costs. Over the long term, there are several power plants that we're just not gonna have to build "

Congress may also step in on the issue. The current versions of the energy bills in both houses would require a boost in efficiency for commercial air conditioners. They'll take up those bills when they return to work in September.



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