Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our energy supplies. States play an important role in encouraging energy efficiency on the part of consumers, businesses and through a state's own policies. Through energy efficiency programs and regulations states can drive down GHG emissions and save money. California's building efficiency standards (along with those for energy efficient appliances), for example, have saved more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978.
It is estimated the standards will save an additional $23 billion by 2013. Following California’s example many states have implemented Energy Efficiency standards specifically for appliances which exceed national regulations and include standards for both federally-regulated appliances and non-federally-regulated appliances.
The Climate Policy Program is no longer active at New America. This resource can now be found at seventhgenerationadvisors.org.
