Welcome to our re-designed and updated e-FFICIENCY Newsletter. We are eager to hear what you think!
DOE, Alliance Unveil New Radio PSAs, Continue Powerful $avings Partnership
Three new radio public service announcements (PSAs) unveiled by the DOE and the Alliance at an October 3 news conference feature Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman saying, “You have the power to make a difference” on energy bills by using energy efficiency. The event announced DOE’s continuing partnership with the Alliance on the Powerful $avings campaign to help consumers lower their energy bills and help the nation reduce its energy use. The news conference also unveiled new print PSAs for the Ad Council Energy Hog campaign, now housed at the Alliance.
More information on Powerful $avings campaign & PSAs: www.ase.org/powerfulsavings
More information on Energy Hog campaign & PSAs: www.ase.org/section/_audience/consumers/energyhog/
Beyond the Energy Bill
There’s no rest for the weary, as the Alliance already is heavily engaged in several new policy endeavors – from advocating speedy implementation of the energy-efficiency provisions laid out in the new energy law to collaborating with state policy makers on energy-efficiency measures. And in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the resulting spikes in energy prices, it is more important than ever to ensure that the government enacts aggressive efficiency measures and curtails energy use in all end-use sectors, especially transportation. Continued...
More information on policy initiatives:
www.ase.org/section/_audience/policymakers/
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Switch on the Savings
You can help save energy and protect the environment by taking part in the ENERGY STAR® Change a Light Pledge. Changing just one light in your home to an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb or fixture has the same effect as not driving a car for more than two weeks. Everybody who takes the pledge will not only receive energy bill savings and the satisfaction of reducing pollution, but also will get a free “Change the World with ENERGY STAR” zipper pull and will be eligible for several offers available only during this campaign. To take the pledge or learn more about ENERGY STAR, go to: energystar.gov
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Looking to the Stars
The Alliance is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2005 Chairman’s Award: William Keese, former Chairman of the California Energy Commission, and Ross Pillari, President of BP America! The recipients were chosen by Alliance Chairman Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) for their outstanding contributions to energy efficiency. They will be presented with their awards at the Alliance’s annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC on October 20. Other awards will be given to Michael Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission; Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport; Burlington Electric Department; and, Ultra Light Steel Auto Body-Advanced Vehicle Concepts.
In a separate presentation on September 6, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) was presented with an honorable mention award in acknowledgement of its “exemplary illustration of and commitment to energy-efficient policy and practice.” Continued...
More information: www.ase.org or contact Rajeena Shakya rshakya@ase.org
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The Hip New CAFE
A new bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Alliance Vice-Chair Ed Markey (D-MA), H.R. 3762, would aim to reduce the amount of oil used by U.S. automobiles by 10 percent, starting in 2016. H.R. 3762 would require automobile manufacturers to achieve a fleetwide corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard of 33 miles per gallon (mpg) for model years 2016 and beyond. The bill also would authorize a credit trading program so manufacturers that exceed their mpg requirements could sell credits to those manufacturers not meeting the standards. Continued...
A Windfall for Consumers
The Windfall Profits Rebate Act of 2005 (S. 1631), introduced in the Senate by Alliance Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-ND) on September 7, would impose a temporary “windfall profit” tax on crude oil. The proposed tax would be equal to 50 percent of all profits due to a selling price of a barrel of crude oil higher than $40 accrued by an oil company in a taxable year. The money collected through the tax would be returned to consumers. Continued...
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Trane’s Main Refrain?
Energy efficiency Alliance Associate American Standard and Trane Commercial Systems is an international company that produces some of the world’s most energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. To read more about Trane’s commitment to energy efficiency and how it fits into their business model, go to the Alliance’s interview with Robert Johnson, Director of Institutional Markets for Trane. Continued...
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Businesses and Industry Can Insulate Against Rising Energy Costs
Version 4.0 of 3E Plus®, a free computer program that calculates the amount of insulation needed to optimize energy efficiency, has been launched on the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) website. The program has been used in several DOE programs and is primarily targeted to commercial and industrial clients.
More information on 3E Plus: www.pipeinsulation.org
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New Energy-Efficiency Group to Tour the Southeast
A cleaner environment and a more prosperous economy in the Southeast are among the goals of the new Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), a regional partnership of diverse stakeholders, including the Alliance, US DOE, US EPA and several state energy offices. SEEA will begin a 10-state outreach tour on November 1, 2005, educating state constituent groups and forming relationships throughout the Southeast.
More information at: www.seea.us or contact Kelly Ross kross@ase.org
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Energy Efficiency: European Style
The Alliance recently conducted a European fact-finding trip for key congressional staff and state and national officials. The five day trip involved visits to energy-efficient buildings, transportation systems, and industrial processes in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The 28 member delegation also participated in roundtable discussions with members of the European Parliament, European Commission and representatives from the state of Baden Württemberg in Germany.
More trip details: www.ase.org/content/article/detail/2480 or contact Anna Carmichael acarmichael@ase.org
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SUVs Guzzle Jobs and Money, Too
A new study by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the University of Michigan predicts plant closures, lower profits, and massive layoffs if the “Big Three” U.S. automakers continue to rely on SUV and pickup sales as gas prices remain high and consumers avoid the increasingly expensive gas-guzzlers. Importantly, the study also offers potential solutions for automakers, government, and investors. Continued: In the Tank, How Oil Prices Threaten Automakers' Profits and Jobs www.nrdc.org/air/transportation/
“Socket” to High Gas Prices
On August 22, the City of Austin launched its “Plug-In Austin” campaign, a community-wide push to promote mass production of plug-in hybrid vehicles that combine the gas-electric hybrid technology with a larger battery that can be recharged through a standard wall socket. Alliance Associate Austin Energy has donated $1 million to help purchase the first round of plug-ins. The vehicles could reduce annual gasoline consumption by up to 70 percent, and be more cost-effective than hybrid or conventional vehicles. More information or to sign petition in support, go to: www.pluginaustin.org
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Ford Announces Meaningful Hybrid Commitment
On September 21, Ford Motor Co. unveiled a global plan to produce 250,000 hybrid vehicles annually by 2010 – ten times the number of Ford hybrids currently on the road. Ford also plans to produce up to 280,000 vehicles that can run on biodiesel fuels by 2006, and announced a pilot program to offset the greenhouse gasses emitted during the manufacturing of hybrid vehicles. More information: media.ford.com/newsroom/
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Alliance Launches Hotel Energy-Efficiency Website
The Alliance is proud to announce a new website to help hotel managers incorporate energy efficiency into their hotel operations. Resources include case studies, practical behavioral and managerial tips, links to online energy-management publications and software programs, and a world map that identifies regional organizations promoting energy efficiency in the tourism sector.
More information: www.ase.org/section/topic/ee_hotels/ or contact Stephanie Campbell 202-530-2224 scampbell@ase.org
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Alliance Super Powers TV Spots in Top 10%
In its first full month in the marketplace, the Alliance’s Super Powers TV PSAs scored in the top 10% of almost 500 PSAs in the marketplace, according to the Nielsen tracking service. In addition, cable networks and channels—including CNN and CNN Airport—are picking up the Alliance PSAs. See the PSAs, storyboard, and news release questioning whether Super Heroes with Super Powers can come to the rescue with energy solutions at www.ase.org/superpowers
And for some top-secret energy-saving operatives, go to:www.projectsuperpowers.com
The Alliance Salutes Dr. Arthur Rosenfeld on his 80th
Dr. “Art” Rosenfeld, designated by the Alliance as a “Star of Energy Efficiency” in 1995, recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Dr. Rosenfeld played a large role in increasing the energy efficiency of the United States following the OPEC oil embargo in 1973, and has continued to pioneer energy-efficiency research and advocacy ever since. Continued... BACK TO TOP |
