Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy are the most important actions that can be taken to combat climate changes. As a result, the growth of clean energy will likely be one of the major economic engines of the coming decade.
Energy efficiency is the cheapest, fastest way to deal with our energy needs. It is a win in terms of job creation, a win in terms of saving taxpayers money and a win on the environment. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Shaheen/Portman [the Energy Efficiency and Industrial Competitiveness Act], if it were passed this year, would create 136,000 new jobs by 2025. By 2030 it would save consumers about $14 billion a year. It would lower CO2 emissions and air pollution by the equivalent of taking 22 million cars off the road. So it really is a win/win/win. There are provisions in the legislation that deal with the building sector which uses about 40 percent of our energy, that deal with the manufacturing sector which is the largest user of energy in terms of any sector of the economy and also the Federal Government which, as we all know, is the biggest user of energy in the country.
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Competitiveness
State efficiency and renewable programs : hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session ... February 12, 2014.
Discusses programs in other states that provide long-term financing of efficiency improvements and renewable energy measures, as distinct from providing rebates for these measures.
The United States and China are the world's top two energy consumers and, as of 2010, the two largest economies. Consequently, they have a decisive role to play in the world's clean energy future. Both countries are also motivated by related goals, namely diversified energy portfolios, job creation, energy security, and pollution reduction, making renewable energy development an important strategy with wide-ranging implications. Given the size of their energy markets, any substantial progress the two countries make in advancing use of renewable energy will provide global benefits, in terms of enhanced technological understanding, reduced costs through expanded deployment, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional generation from fossil fuels. Within this context, the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), reviewed renewable energy development and deployment in the two countries, to highlight prospects for collaboration across the research to deployment chain and to suggest strategies which would promote more rapid and economical attainment of renewable energy goals. Main findings and concerning renewable resource assessments, technology development, environmental impacts, market infrastructure, among others, are presented. Specific recommendations have been limited to those judged to be most likely to accelerate the pace of deployment, increase cost-competitiveness, or shape the future market for renewable energy. The recommendations presented here are also pragmatic and achievable.
This fact sheet highlights how renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies can and are being used to reduce air emissions and meet environmental goals, showcasing case studies and technology-specific topics.