US energy efficiency may soon take a step forward in the form of federal legislation. S. 1000, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 (link), aims to promote energy savings in residential and commercial buildings and industry.
The bill contains measures designed to tackle various aspects of energy efficiency. Title I targets buildings, calling for improvements to national model building energy codes and appliance standards. Title II gives public power districts and electric cooperatives access to a rural energy savings loan fund. These entities can either use the money themselves at zero interest, or may loan it out to consumers at an interest rate capped at 3%. Title III tackles industrial energy efficiency, creating a revolving loan program in partnership with states to fund industrial projects. Title IV covers the federal government itself as an energy consumer, creating programs designed to study and improve federal energy efficiency.
S.1000 has been favorably reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resource, and may move forward later this session.
Energy powers society; society's choices shape energy policy. A blog about our energy resources and the choices they present for society.
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