An initial analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) of the new Senate energy bill states that its energy efficiency provisions are “promising but incomplete.”

According to the analysis, U.S. energy efficiency will benefit from several of the bills provisions, including: new minimum efficiency standards for various consumer and commercial products; a program of voluntary commitments from industry to improve energy efficiency; and a program to assist in the design and construction of more energy-efficient schools.

But Steven Nadel, executive director of ACEEE, declared that major gaps remain. The bill does not yet contain either tax credits for advanced energy-efficient technologies or improvements to passenger vehicle fuel efficiency standards. He also indicated that it lacks any significant provision to restore utility investments in energy efficiency.

Publication date: 12/17/2001