by Brianna Crandall — November 9, 2016 — A diverse alliance is calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand incentives for energy efficiency in the Clean Power Plan. Led by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), it argues that energy efficiency should receive access to the same credits as renewable energy through the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP). The CPP’s early-action program, as currently drafted, puts efficiency at a disadvantage.
“Recognizing the importance of the CEIP as an opportunity to spur early investment in low-cost emission reduction strategies, we recommend that the Renewable Energy Reserve (RER) be expanded to include energy efficiency policies and measures,” states the letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.
The 60 signatories include a broad array of businesses, policymakers, localities, environmental groups, health advocates, and faith communities.
The Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP) rewards early investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that serve low-income communities. It offers an extra incentive to renewable energy, and the alliance requests that the EPA also include energy efficiency in this pool of credits.
In explaining its position, ACEEE stated that expanding the pool of credits available to renewable energy to also include energy efficiency would help control electric costs and keep money in the hands of communities. Physicians for Social Responsibility added that it would help decrease the particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and other harmful air pollution created by burning fossil fuels. The Evangelical Environmental Network asserted that a clean energy future would profoundly impact human life.
The proposal requests that EPA treat energy efficiency as equal to renewable energy in the CEIP. The exclusion of energy efficiency is said to be a significant oversight that could cause states to opt for more expensive compliance options.
Reducing emissions through energy efficiency costs significantly less than other means, says ACEEE. These savings get passed down to customers, resulting in local job creation and economic development. The EPA’s latest proposal for the CEIP is considered an important opportunity to ensure that states can reward investments in energy efficiency while getting credit for the pollution it avoids.
To sum up the proposal, ACEEE says the organizations are simply seeking to put energy efficiency on a level playing field with renewable energy. To read the letter, visit the ACEEE Web site.
