Guess who created a new federal energy program this week?

The so-called “fiscally conservative” GOP Congress. Wednesday, the House passed HR 2126, the Energy Efficiency Act of 216. This bill requires the federal government to develop “best practices” to be used by commercial and residential rental properties to improve energy efficiency. Even though no business is forced to adopt the standards, the facts that the government says these are the “best practices” will make many people think these are the best possible standards. They result will be to stifle private efforts to develop innovative ways to increase efficient energy usage. Furthermore, it is doubtful that government bureaucrats could actually develop “best practice” standards for every business in the country.

Of course, the main objection to this bill is that nowhere in the United States Constitution is Congress authorized to develop “best practices” for efficient energy use by private property owners. Sadly, only 36 Representatives voted against this bill.

Hat Tip: Daniel Horowitz of Red State.