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A U.S. proposal is designed to reduce energy requirements of appliances such as portable hot tubs.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES Act), a proposal to limit U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, was approved in May by a congressional panel, making it likely the government will change the way portable hot tubs and other appliances are designed. The Canadian government is looking at similar legislation if the act is passed in the U.S.

The act increases efficiency standards for lighting and appliances such as hot tubs, furnaces and televisions, and would require product efficiency ratings and labels to help consumers choose the most energy-efficient models.

Hot tubs are specifically mentioned in the legislation, which states, "The proposal amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to adopt consensus agreements on technical standards for hot food holding cabinets, bottle-type drinking water dispensers, portable spas (hot tubs) and commercial-grade natural gas furnaces."

The proposal is designed to reduce energy requirements, cutting U.S. carbon emissions 17 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.