Alliance President Stresses Need to Reduce Foreign Oil Dependence and Other News

As U.S. oil prices continue to spike due, in part, to Middle East unrest, both sides of the aisle are beginning to weigh in on what the federal government can do to ease prices. Alliance President Kateri Callahan reminds readers of the National Journal that it’s necessary for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and focus on clean energy options instead.

• A government shutdown could have serious implications for the Department of Energy, draining it of any capabilities but national security operations. Closing the office this year would shutter many of the new energy initiatives President Obama is advocating. Executive Vice President of Programs and Development Brian Castelli, who served as chief of staff to DOE’s assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy during the last government shutdown, recalled the impact the shutdown had on the agency’s staff with Politico.
• Despite extensive media coverage, myths about the efficient lighting phase-in still persist. The new lighting changes not only will do good for the public's wallet, Callahan told the Chicago Tribune, and maintain the quality of lighting in consumers' homes. 
• Callahan was a featured guest on Platt’s Energy Week, where she chatted with Bill Platt about why energy efficiency is important to the average American, the need for bipartisan legislation and the upcoming light bulb changes. [WUSA-9.com video]
  
• The Green Schools Program got a shout from the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE). Green Schools worked with ACE to get its staff into 17 schools across three states in two weeks to find out how students have been saving energy at home and school.