Alliance to Save Energy rallies behind House energy efficiency funding plan

Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee introduced an energy and water development spending bill, and the legislation has already gained the support of the non-profit Alliance to Save Energy.

The bill seeks increased funding for various energy efficiency programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). It remains to be seen, however, how it will compare to the Senate’s version of a funding bill.

“Improving our energy efficiency is the least cost and fastest tool for reducing carbon emissions, and this bill recognizes that it’s simply a smart investment,” Jason Hartke, Alliance to Save Energy president, said. “This is what embracing energy innovation looks like. These are programs that pay off with reduced costs for consumers and business while reducing energy waste and decreasing pollution from power plants.”

The bill seeks funding raises of 8 percent for the DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office, 10 percent for the Building Technologies Office, 13 percent for both the Advanced Manufacturing Office and Federal Energy Management Program and 27 percent for the State Energy Program. Beyond this, it also presses for funding increases in programs like ARPA-E and the Energy Information Administration.