State energy efficiency programs grow, in contrast to fed retreat. (News).(states and utilities are focusing on energy efficiency, while the federal government continues to cut efficiency programs)

WASHINGTON, DC--Despite weak state budgets and a soft economy, states and utilities are boosting their investment in energy efficiency, while the federal government continues to cut efficiency programs, says the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). "Energy-efficiency programs are expanding because they keep the lights on, keep energy prices affordable, stimulate the economy, and cut air pollution," said Dr. Martin Kushler, utility program director for ACEEE. "We fail to see why the federal government is increasingly blind to these vital public benefits."

Based on information presented at ACEEE's recent Market Transformation Symposium in Washington, total state and utility funding for these programs in 2003 is about $1.45 billion, up from $1.1 billion in 2000, a 32% increase. By contrast, the federal commitment to efficiency has shrunk since the Bush Administration took office. The administration is seeking to cut Department of Energy energy-efficiency funding by $36 million, or about 4%, while EPA is planning to cut Energy Star, the nation's best-known efficiency program, by about $15 million, or 30%. This would put federal efficiency spending at about 60% of state-based spending, when just a few years ago the federal commitment was roughly equal to state efforts.

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