House Appropriations Turns Back on Energy Efficiency Programs
The Alliance to Save Energy News
House Appropriations Turns Back on Energy Efficiency Programs
Statement by the Alliance to Save Energy's Rob Mosher
“The House Appropriations Committee stated yesterday that its highest priorities are to lower gas prices, support American manufacturing, and strengthen the electricity grid – it then slashed investments to energy efficiency programs, making achieving these goals decidedly more difficult. This action is particularly confounding because the Committee report acknowledges the economic benefits of the compromised programs.
“Cutting important R&D programs, like ARPA-E, by as much as 80 percent would dramatically harm our nation’s ability to develop the new technologies and products that drive our economic competitiveness. And it is disappointing that the Committee has recommended zeroing out federal energy management programs, which actually saves taxpayer money by reducing agency energy bills.
“Regrettably, the Committee also did not strengthen the inadequately funded weatherization assistance program that helps our most disadvantaged families.
“While we recognize that the federal government faces significant challenges in decreasing spending, it is critical that these energy efficiency programs are appropriately funded at levels that would advance our national economic, environmental and security interests.
“Without proper government investments, the recommendations of Energy 2030 cannot be realized and the President’s goal of doubling U.S. energy productivity by 2030 will not happen. With the economy showing signs of life, this is exactly the wrong time for Congress to turn its back on energy efficiency programs that save Americans money, drive innovation, and create jobs.”
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