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Andrew deLaski, 617-363-9470 or
Howard Geller, 202-429-8873
David Goldstein, 415-777-0220

World's Largest Privately-Owned Air Conditioner Maker Breaks with Industry to Support New Minimum Efficiency Standard

CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION PRAISES LEADERSHIP OF GOODMAN MANUFACTURING

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A consumer, environmental, state government and utility coalition praised Goodman Manufacturing today for supporting the new energy efficiency standards for air conditioners. The standards, which the Bush Administration is reviewing, would increase the minimum efficiency of new central air conditioners and heat pumps by 30% to Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) 13 effective January 2006. In supporting the new standards, Goodman, the world's largest privately-owned air conditioner manufacturer, is breaking with the rest of the industry which has lobbied to roll back the standard. A determination on the rollback is expected from the Bush Administration imminently.

"Goodman has distinguished itself as the air conditioning manufacturer that cares most about the environment and cutting its customers' electric bills," said David B. Goldstein, Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Increasing air conditioning efficiency cuts power plant use when it counts most for reducing air pollution and electricity demand - on hot days."

In a letter to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham dated April 6, Goodman Manufacturing Chairman John Goodman asked the Secretary to maintain the final standard at SEER 13. He stated that Goodman had independently determined that "moving to 13 SEER is a cost-effective way to reduce energy requirements, high energy costs to the consumer, and harmful air emissions." All major manufacturers including Goodman have existing product lines that already meet and exceed 13 SEER.

The new standard will trim national peak power demand by 41,500 megawatts by 2020, helping to provide long-term stability to the nation's power grids while minimizing the number of new power plants needed. Consumers will save at least $5 billion net of the projected increases in product cost and pollutant emissions from power plants will decline.

Other manufacturers - Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and York - are lobbying in Washington to roll back the efficiency standard and have filed suit to block the standard in Federal Court.

"Goodman's can-do attitude is refreshing. It's a shame that Carrier, Lennox, Trane and York - companies that have touted themselves as energy and environmental leaders - are investing in lobbying campaigns and lawsuits rather than improved efficiency in all of their product lines," said Howard Geller, executive director emeritus of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Goodman Manufacturing, based in Houston, Texas, sells under the brand names Amana, Janitrol, Goodman and GmC. Goodman's air conditioning and heating product manufacturing facilities are located in Texas and Tennessee and employ more than 7,000 people.

"Goodman's support for a strong standard is what leadership is all about," said Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the coalition group. "The strong new standard will help balance energy supply and demand while minimizing impacts on the environment and keeping air conditioning costs low for consumers."

DeLaski's group delivered a letter asking Secretary Abraham to affirm the new standards signed by more than 50 representatives of consumer, public health and environmental groups, state government and utilities last week. In addition to Goodman, those who have supported the strong standard include the American Lung Association, the states of Texas and California, the Consumer Federation of America, the National Consumers League and utilities such as National Grid and Pacific Gas and Electric.

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The Appliance Standards Awareness Project is dedicated to increasing understanding of and support for national appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards. ASAP is sponsored by leading environmental groups, consumer groups and state government and utilities.