Truth in Energy Act

Summary

Truth in Energy Act - Declares it to be the intent of Congress to assure, through a uniform national system, meaningful disclosure of the annual operating cost of specified products, automobiles, and systems, so that consumers can readily compare them and thereby avoid purchasing those which unnecessarily waste energy. Directs the Federal Trade Commission, within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act and after consultation with the Federal Energy Administration, to: (1) define average use cycles for household products and devise procedures by which the average-use cycles of such products may be simulated and by which the energy utilized during any such cycle may be measured or calculated; and (2) adopt the procedure utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency for measuring the fuel economy of automobiles. Provides that the Commission shall direct each manufacturer and importer of applicable products and automobiles to conduct tests in accordance with the procedures established under this Act. Directs the Commission to develop and maintain information on the estimated average-use cycles of each household product and on fuel economy of automobiles. Directs the Commission, within 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act and after consultation with the Federal Energy Administration, to establish: (1) model calculation procedures for use by suppliers in determining the estimated annual operating costs of climate conditioning systems; and (2) procedures for suppliers to disclose such estimates to their clients. Sets forth annual estimated operating cost disclosure requirements for suppliers or other persons who sell or offer for sale, or lease or offer for lease any new major energy consuming household product or automobile or any previously unoccupied building for which a climate conditioning system has been designed subsequent to the adoption of procedures provided for under this Act. Makes unlawful the advertisement of such products or automobiles for which procedures have been adopted unless such advertisement states the estimated annual operating cost in accordance with rules established by the Commission. Provides that beginning three months after the date of adoption of procedures for measuring automobile fuel economy, it shall be unlawful for any supplier to advertise the fuel economy of any new automobile unless such economy has been measured in accordance with the procedures established under this Act. Declares that the violation of any disclosure provision of this Act shall constitute an unfair or deceptive practice and shall be subject to proceedings under this Act. Allows the Commission to bring actions in U.S. district courts without regard to the amount in controversy. Permits a person to commence a civil action on his own behalf against: (1) any supplier who is alleged to be inviolation of this Act; or (2) the Commission where there is an alleged failure of the Commission to perform any act or duty which is not discretionary under this Act. Declares that it is the intent of Congress to supersede any and all laws of the States or political subdivisions thereof insofar as they provide for the disclosure of energy consumption and fuel economy, or the annual operating cost of any new major energy consuming household product, automobile, or climate conditioning system if there is in effect and applicable a Federal disclosure requirement with respect to such product, automobile, or system. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-77.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 24 June 1975

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 23 January 1975

  Open at official source

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