Letter from the President's Desk: Energy Efficiency Policy Events
Dear Friends,
Even Washington’s recent heat wave could not slow down energy efficiency work on Capitol Hill. Efficiency advocates – and unfortunately, others seeking to roll back our progress – have both been industrious in recent weeks. Alliance staff are hard at work to advocate sensible decisions and bring you opportunities to hear from and provide input to the decision makers. In this note, I discuss some of the recent Capitol Hill “happenings” and opportunities where we would like you to engage with us.
Join Rep. Charles Bass for Breakfast
Get the latest on energy efficiency policy along with your morning coffee when you hear directly from Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H) at our next EE Policy Perspectives breakfast. Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 8! Register early as seats will go quickly. Rep. Bass is drafting an efficiency bill, which his office hopes to introduce in the House before the August recess. The Alliance policy staff has been working with Rep. Bass’s energy team and will call on you for feedback and support as the review proceeds – but what better way to learn more about what to expect than to talk directly to Rep. Bass himself!
Senate Appropriations: The Next Stop to Protect Lighting, Key EE Programs
If a possible House efficiency bill isn’t enough to keep you busy through the August recess, there’s more. With Senate Energy and Water Appropriations markup not expected until September, it is unlikely that we will soon have a resolution to important funding issues.
On the plus side, this allows us more time to mobilize Senate support on key issues that surfaced in amendments to the House Energy and Water Appropriations Act (H.R. 2354). Opponents scored a notable, but hopefully only Pyrrhic, victory with adoption of an amendment by the House that would bar funding for the Department of Energy’s enforcement and implementation of the lighting standards. Meanwhile, efforts failed to include an amendment to restore the drastic cuts proposed by the House to the Weatherization Assistance Program, State Energy Program and Building Technologies Program, in addition to a host of other important energy efficiency programs. The Alliance is reaching out to key Senate offices and will be coordinating joint letters and an advocacy campaign with collaborators like you. Stay tuned for opportunities to weigh in!
Hill Summit: Driving Energy Efficiency as the Next Big Thing
When we are not pushing for sensible energy efficiency policy and appropriations, we are gearing up for our annual fall summit on Capitol Hill. Please join me on Tuesday, October 4 to learn about areas such as government investments, finance and water – where energy efficiency stands out as “the next big thing.” The event features a growing list of confirmed speakers, and seats, which are limited, are filling up. Secure your spot in the room today, and plan to continue the conversation that evening at our Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner!
And finally, Congress may work into its holiday, but the “What Alliance Associate Need to Know” e-newsletter will be taking a recess in August while we redesign our newsletters and upgrade our communications system. We are excited to roll out our new line-up of communications, including a new Associates newsletter – with a new style and a new name – in September.
In the meantime, check out our website for news updates and explore the new LUMEN website – a user-friendly, informative consumer resource that is even a little fun in its presentation of the benefits of efficient lighting.
Best,
Kateri Callahan
