The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 requires electronic devices to meet certain efficiency standards while in “no-load” mode. The requirements apply to security and life safety devices — such as video surveillance and access control systems — even though they are always in “active” mode. To correct this, SIA pulled together a coalition that contains both industry and environmental groups — including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) — to draft legislative language and advocate for a fix.

H.R. 5470 from Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., contains language drafted by the coalition that would provide an exemption from the “no-load” requirements for security and life safety products. The bill would retain EISA’s “active” mode efficiency standards for those products. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., is the lead Republican co-sponsor on the bill.

“This is an important vote for the security industry,” SIA research director Mark Visbal said. “Members of Congress — like the environmental groups that support this bill — clearly recognize the need to correct this legislative glitch. SIA thanks Congressman Pallone for his efforts to enact this important correction.”

Multiple Senate proposals introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., include the security and life safety exemption, while Pallone’s proposal is a stand-alone measure.

SIA's leadership in developing consensus on the issue, Visbal and other association officials noted, offers an important example of the group's commitment to providing results for its members and the entire security industry.

In addition to SIA and the NRDC, the provision is supported by the Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project and the Electronic Security Association.