One of the top goals of the Biden administration is to combat climate change.
So this week, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) filed a new bill challenging the administration to lead by example by cranking up the air conditioning temperature in several government agency buildings.
What are the details?
The bill — cleverly titled the “Lead by Example Act” — would require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency set their building thermostats to at least 78 degrees when the A/C is running.
The text of the bill reads:
The Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall set all thermostats in the 1 or more buildings comprising the headquarters of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, respectively, to not lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit when the air conditioning system is in operation.
The temperature in Ernst’s bill is not arbitrary.
Earlier this month, when California was experiencing a record-setting heat wave, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) directed California residents to crank up their thermostats to conserve energy and prevent rolling blackouts.
Thus, Ernst’s bill provides that Democrats who believe climate change is an existential threat to humanity must not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.
“During a hot summer, liberal leaders told folks to set the AC to 78 degrees to compensate for failed Democratic policies,” Ernst said in a statement. “Secretary of Energy Granholm praised the move, saying states like California are leading by example.”
“It’s time for Biden officials to adhere to the same regulations they’re pushing on hard-working Americans,” she added. “Not only will this make Washington bureaucrats think twice before imposing arbitrary rules on Americans, it could even save money. It’s time to make ’em squeal, and sweat!”
Anything else?
Interestingly, the 78-degree mandate actually falls within the suggested temperature for federal buildings as established by the General Services Administration, which manages federal office properties.
The agencies guidelines state, “Temperatures are intended to be between 74°F and 78°F in the summer months and between 68°F and 72°F in the winter months, though this may vary due to geographical locations, building design, and building use.”