Chaired by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and National Grid U.S. President Tom King, the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy
calls for growing the U.S. economy through investments, modernization
and education. These efforts will target the entire energy structure,
including buildings, transportation, manufacturing, power generation and
natural gas infrastructure.
"Doubling our energy productivity will yield huge returns for our
economy and increase our competitiveness," Sen. Warner said. "This
bipartisan plan can serve as a blueprint to advance energy efficiency
and bring direct and tangible benefits to American families and
businesses while building a stronger economy and healthier environment."
Meaningful Solutions
If adopted, by 2030 the U.S. could:
- Add 1.3 million jobs;
- Cut average household energy costs by more than $1,000 a year;
- Save American businesses $169 billion a year;
- Increase GDP by up to 2%;
- Decrease energy imports by more than $100 billion a year; and
- Reduce CO2 emissions by one-third.
"Stopping energy waste will help all Americans get the most out of
their hard-earned income," said Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan.
"By doubling productivity, we’ll wring more out of every dollar spent
on energy, helping families improve the quality of their lives by
freeing up money to either save or spend on other things."
The Energy 2030 plan maximizes energy productivity by expanding
financing opportunities, reforming taxes and regulations, spurring
innovation, strengthening standards, and building consumer awareness.
The Commission also anticipates the plan will help the U.S. establish
global leadership on energy efficiency.
Investment Yields Savings
Though the U.S. currently lags behind other nations on energy
productivity, the Commission believes there are more than $1 trillion in
energy-saving opportunities with the right federal, state and local
government support, and private-sector buy-in.
"Our Energy 2030 plan goes well beyond capturing the more obvious
energy efficiency benefits to uncover significant economic
opportunities," said King. "The solutions will drive innovation and new
technologies forward, improving and modernizing U.S. infrastructure and
helping us to compete globally."
"Energy productivity is synonymous with economic prosperity and
competitiveness," said former Republican New York Governor George
Pataki. "This plan advances public-private partnerships to spur
investment, and could save local, state and the federal governments $13
billion dollars in 2030 alone."
The diverse Commission
is made up of leaders from the power sector, environmental groups, the
financial community, manufacturing, transportation and government.
Moving the Energy 2030 Plan Forward
Work already has begun to turn the Commission’s recommendations into meaningful legislation.
The Alliance will collaborate with its 13 Honorary Congressional Vice Chairs to
develop legislative proposals at the national level. Commission members
will also discuss the recommendations with Obama Administration leaders
at a White House meeting today. Finally, efforts to advance
recommendations across the country at the local and state levels are to
begin immediately.
The full report is available free of charge at http://ase.org/resources/energy-2030-recommendations.
by Allyson Schmutter
Alliance to Save Energy www.ase.org
February 7, 2013
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