Policy Tracking & Resources
Energy Efficiency Policy Tracking Update
National Policy
• Leadership in the U.S. Senate has decided against introducing any measure to place a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. That means that the Senate will not take comprehensive action against climate change this year. Instead, reports suggest that Congress will attempt to pass an energy bill that includes measures to establish a renewable energy standard, a HOME STAR retrofit program, some new energy efficiency regulations, subsidies for renewable energy, natural gas, coal and nuclear power, and some provisions to deal with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A widely-quoted report by the World Resources Institute states that much attention will once again shift to states to find innovative ways to cut down on carbon emissions without direct federal action.
• The White House hosted a Clean Energy Economy Forum in July that focused on sustainable buildings. More than 100 leaders from the sustainable building community attended, including NEEP's Executive Director, Sue Coakley. The conversation focused on how the federal government could lead the move towards sustainable buildings. More can be found on this meeting at the White House website here.
• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) has been spreading rapidly across the country, but recently the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), at the behest of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, took steps to block cities and towns from using PACE financing. Members of Congress are now taking action to restore PACE authority and prevent federal regulators from undermining these programs. Communities in California and New York have also filed lawsuits challenge FHFA's decision.
State Policy
• The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) conditionally approved the first Efficiency Maine Trust Triennial Plan (2011-2013). The order issued by the PUC asks the Trust to clarify questions on six key issues (fund allocation, benefit-cost assessment, program details, evaluation, performance metrics, and advisory groups) by October 1, 2010 in order to receive full approval.
• Massachusetts has enacted a measure that would allow municipalities to create clean energy financing districts. The policy, similar to the property assessed clean energy districts (PACE), was passed as part of H 4877, the Municipal Relief Act. Cities and towns could choose to create PACE districts and allow homeowners to pay back energy efficiency measures on their homes through a special assessment on their property taxes.
Massachusetts has also made $8.1 million available to the 35 communities throughout the state that qualified for the Green Communities program. These cities and towns needed to pass the stretch energy code and promote other ways to save energy in their communities.
• New Hampshire's Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) Board has formed a working group to implement SB 323, which calls for a comprehensive study of its energy efficiency programs. NEEP has responded to requests for comment on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a contractor to conduct the study.
• New York's legislation has been A10881, a measure that creates new appliance efficiency standards for portable light fixtures, water dispensers, hot foot holding cabinets, portable electric spas, and residential pool pumps. Standards for televisions were not included in the package. New York is also working on legislation to create statewide on-bill and municipal financing programs.
• The Pennsylvania General Assembly is working on a number of relevant energy efficiency bills. Legislation would enact high performance building standards for state buildings, allow for PACE programs, and create a state Department of Energy.
• Rhode Island's Building Codes Commission (RIBCC) is looking to issue the final regulations to implement the Green Building Act of 2009. The Green Building Act called for all newly constructed state buildings to be built to a LEED certified or equivalent green building standard. A draft of the new rules can be found here. Comments are due to the RIBBC by August 12th.
• The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) is nearing a decision in Docket 7466, which creates a new Order of Appointment for Efficiency Vermont, its energy efficiency utility. The PSB has been working on its Initial Overall Performance Assessment of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) and the Burlington Electric Department. A final order is expected in late summer or early fall and new contract is expected to begin next year.
