Alliance to Save Energy--e-FFICIENCY NEWS: The Energy Efficiency Newsletter of 20 Thousand Readers

e-FFICIENCY NEWS

WELCOME TO THE JUNE ISSUE OF e-FFICIENCY NEWS

The monthly newsletter from the
Alliance to Save Energy

June 2001 Vol. 3 No. 6

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CONTENTS

EFFICIENCY NEWS

ALLIANCE NEWS

EYE OPENERS

EFFICIENCY EVENTS

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EFFICIENCY NEWS

State Attorneys General, NRDC, CFA, Others File Suit Against Air Conditioning Standard Roll Back

Today, the attorneys general of New York, Connecticut, and California joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Consumer Federation of America, and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) in filing suit against Spencer Abraham, Secretary of Energy, in a legal challenge to the energy department's delays and its attempt to block and weaken an energy efficiency rule for air conditioners and heat pumps made final during the Clinton Administration. The Alliance to Save Energy is not involved in the law suit.

Dr. David B. Goldstein, Energy Program Co-Director at the NRDC remarked, "Any way you look at it, the Department of Energy is wrong on this issue: procedurally the roll back is illegal; it's bad energy policy because it worsens electricity shortages; and it's bad public policy because it hurts low income people and consumers."

Read a New York Times Article:
www.nytimes.com/2001/06/19/national/19COOL.html?searchpv=nytToday
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Analysis and Public Hearings on National Energy Policy

The Bush Administration released its National Energy Plan (NEP) last month, and the Alliance to Save Energy has prepared an analysis comparing the Administration's energy plan with other plans, including bills proposed by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK). A nation wide series of public hearings that allow comment on NEP is under way. Additionally, Alliance President David M Nemtzow will testify on the role of energy efficiency in the NEP at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing scheduled for June 22.

View the analysis:
www.ase.org/CheneyTaskForce/matrix.htm

Visit the Site:
www.ase.org/CheneyTaskForce

A complete hearing announcement, list of programs, visitor logistics, and contact info can be found at
http://www.geocities.com/steamingahead/hearings.htmcom/steamingahead/hearings.htm

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Home Energy-Efficiency Tax Incentive Bills Introduced in House

Two prominent members of the Ways and Means Committee, Reps. Jerry Weller (R-IL) and Robert Matsui (D-CA), introduced bills to create tax credits for the construction of energy-efficient new homes and for significant efficiency upgrades to existing homes. The bills join a growing body of legislation introduced by members of both parties to create both new-home and existing-home credits. Analogous to the provision contained in the Murkowski bill in the Senate, the Weller bill, H.R. 2147, would provide a $2,000 credit for homes built to an efficiency level 30 percent beyond the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) of 1998, and provide a credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying upgrades to existing homes. The Matsui bill, H.R. 2108, is the House companion to the Bingaman bill in the Senate. Matsui would create two tiers of efficiency credits: 30 percent beyond the IECC for $1,500, and 50 percent beyond IECC for $2,500.

Stay Current on Policy:
www.ase.org/policy

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House Subcommittee Restores Funding
to Key Energy Efficiency R&D Programs

A late infusion of cash for the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has largely avoided what was expected to be severe cuts in Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency programs. Reported to have received an extra $100 million to "solve the energy problem," House Appropriators were able to report a bill that not only restored the vast majority of cuts that were slated for energy efficiency in FY 2002 but also gave the President 80 percent of his proposed increase for low-income weatherization assistance. Approved by the full Appropriations Committee on June 13, the bill provides $940 million for energy efficiency programs.

Despite the increased overall numbers, the Alliance was disappointed to find that cuts remained in key programs such as Energy Star, windows research, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), and other programs. Energy-efficiency supporters in the House are currently considering efforts to remedy those cuts when the bill goes to the floor and to the Senate.

Stay Current on Policy:
www.ase.org/policy
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VP Cheney, Alliance Leaders Address Energy Issues at Energy Efficiency Forum

Vice President Richard Cheney, the Keynote Speaker at the 12th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, discussed advantages to energy efficiency, saying the Administration would seek higher appliance efficiency standards "where it makes sense." He noted that "since Nixon's time" there has been a 126 percent increase in the economy while energy use grew by only 26 percent. Vice President Cheney defending the plan's emphasis on supply, although no mention was made of renewable energy as a way to increase supply.

Additionally, Alliance Chair Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Vice Chair Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) delivered remarks and Alliance President David Nemtzow participated in a panel discussion of energy efficiency experts.

For more information, visit the Web Site of the 12th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, sponsored by Johnson Controls:
www.eeforum.net/

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OSRAM Sylvania, Alliance Advise Park Service on Lighting Renovations to Jefferson Memorial

Marking the 200th anniversary of the inauguration of the nation's third president and the 100th anniversary of OSRAM Sylvania, a new lighting renovation project of the Jefferson Memorial in the nation's capitol will result in an energy savings of some 80 percent and will provide residents and visitors alike with an enhanced view of the building, its classical architecture, and the monumental sculpture of Thomas Jefferson. Dean Langford, CEO of OSRAM Sylvania
and Alliance Vice President Mark Hopkins approached the National Park Foundation regarding this project, and OSRAM Sylvania is donating the time and materials needed to complete the project as its "birthday gift to the nation."

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As Senate Power Shifts, Alliance Chair Now Heads Senate Energy Committee

With the change in power in the Senate, one Alliance Board member moved into more a powerful role on his committee, and another is likely to follow suit. Alliance Chair Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) is now the Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Vice-Chair Sen. James Jeffords is expected to become the Chair of the Senate Environment and Publics Works Committee. The Alliance anticipates positive gains for energy efficiency programs and federal regulations from these two committees.

News from Senator Bingaman:
www.senate.gov/~bingaman/

News from Senator Jeffords
www.senate.gov/~jeffords/

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David Garman Joins DOE

David Garman has become the Assistant Secretary of Energy, overseeing the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs. Garman was Chief of Staff for Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK), now the Ranking Republican on the Senate and Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "The Alliance is thrilled to have a veteran energy policymaker like David Garman in this key job. We all look forward to working with David in the coming years to develop and promote successful energy-efficiency programs," notes David Nemtzow.

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EIA Says Natural Gas Prices Won't Come Down Significantly

According to a new Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, high natural gas prices have encouraged a boom in drilling, and the expected prices for the coming years make the prospects for adding significant amounts of new gas supplies between now and 2005 "look promising." However, the report says that increased supplies are not likely to bring prices down significantly in the next two years.

See the full report on the EIA Web site at:
www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/naturalgas/index.html

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NY Gov. Pataki Orders Shift Toward Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency

New York Governor George E. Pataki ordered state buildings to get 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources like, solar or wind power, by 2010-an effort that environmentalists lauded as the most ambitious of its kind in the country. The Governor also appointed a task force of industry leaders, state officials, and environmentalists to find ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in New York and to combat global warming. Additionally, the order requires the state to adhere to strict energy efficiency standards when it constructs buildings or significantly renovates existing ones.

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Texas Adopts Strong New Energy Codes

Following the lead of Dallas-Fort Worth, the Texas legislature last month passed a bill that for the first time creates a statewide building energy code. Given Texas's history as a home-rule state with a strong bias toward local government autonomy, this is a major achievement. Alliance analysis of the code's impact, based on the savings for cooling energy alone, shows that by 2020 the code will save 1.8 billion kWh per year, avoid the need for more than 700 Megawatts of power plant capacity, and prevent the emissions of nearly 400 million tons of carbon and 5000 tons of nitrogen oxides.

Text, Fiscal Note, Analysis, Witness Lists, Summary of Committee Action on Texas Senate Bill 5:
tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us

Alliance Analysis of Texas SB 5:
www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/documents/TXSB5Analysis.doc

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EEI Releases Demand Response Benchmark System

Edison Electric Institute (EEI), in conjunction with the Peak Load Management Alliance, has created a benchmarking system for demand response programs that allows program managers to compare and contrast their programs with other companies.

For information on how to register for the on-line system:
http://www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/archives/documents/0601benchmark.htm

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Dark Humor

NBC is "pulling the plug" on the "Tonight Show" --for one night. After the network issued a memo asking employees to conserve energy to help ease California's energy crisis, the show's producers decided to tape the June 21 episode in the dark -- no studio lights, no TV monitors, no amplifiers. Lighting for the show, which will include nocturnal animals among its guests, will be partly provided by the audience.

Read More:
www.eonline.com/News/Items/Pf/0,1527,8416,00.html
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ALLIANCE NEWS

Green Schools Help CA Schools Cut Energy Waste
Up to 18 Percent Through Behavior Changes

Working with the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Schools Program, ten California schools in three school districts cut their electricity waste by up to 18 percent. Cumulatively, the schools saved more than $51,000 in seven to eight months using only those energy-behavioral measures that cost nothing to implement. Further, these schools aren't stopping with the no-cost measures that achieved these savings. Many of the schools are planning energy-savings retrofits of more efficient lighting and equipment. The schools districts are forming a partnership with the Department of Energy's Rebuild America Program to bring in business partners and state assistance to make sure their improvements use the most effective and efficient equipment and methods.

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Alliance 'Shocking' PSA Garners $ 6.7 Million in Air Time, Wins Major Advertising Award

The Alliance to Save Energy's humorous "Static Electricity House" TV PSAs in the first six months of the campaign have aired in 106 markets, 19,923 times for a total media value of $6,734,592. The TV spots have aired in all 10 top markets and 19 of the top 20 markets. In addition, CNN Airport Network has been running the critically acclaimed PSAs. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority reports that its customized NYSERDA version of "Static Electricity House" is running on CBS and ABC network affiliated stations in New York City as well as in five other New York markets.

Chosen from some 17,000 entries from 44 countries, the Alliance's PSA won a merit award in the 2001 One Show-an annual advertising competition judged by the advertising industry's most reputable creative directors.

To see the storyboard and streaming video of "Static Electricity House:"

www.ase.org/shocking/

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Gov. Pataki, ESCo Industry, Geller Named Alliance 'Stars of Energy Efficiency' Winners

New York Governor George Pataki will be the 2001 recipient of the Alliance to Save Energy's Charles H. Percy Award for Public Service October 24. An extremely effective advocate for energy efficiency in New York, Governor Pataki has personally championed the purchase of Energy Star products, created one of the largest public benefit funds for energy efficiency programs in the nation, and made New York one of the first states to adopt the new International Energy Conservation (Building) Code. Additionally, the Alliance's Star of Energy Efficiency awards go to the ESCo Industry for their collective success in bringing performance-based energy efficiency contracting to energy consumers worldwide, and to Howard Geller for his twenty years of leading the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The October 24 black tie dinner will be chaired by Senator Jeff Bingaman.

Read more about the dinner:
mailto:www.ase.org/profess/associates/dinner/index.htm
To register for this year's dinner, contact Lyra Dumdum
ldumdum@ase.org or 202/530-2207

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Energy Industry Policy Task Force Convenes

In the kick-off meeting of the newly formed Alliance Associates Industry Energy Policy Task Force last month, the task force, approved three initiatives: (1) lobby Congress to restore proposed cuts in the budget of DOE's Office of Industrial Technology; (2) educate policy makers, industry, and the media about the benefits of energy efficiency in the industrial sector, and (3) promote best energy management practices by manufacturing companies. Ken Mentzer, President and CEO, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, chairs the task force.

For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Norland
202-530-2212 or dnorland@ase.org.

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CLASP Symposium Calls for Support from International Community

Participants from nearly 20 countries at the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) Regional Symposium - Lessons Learned in Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, May 29-31, called upon the international community to provide additional support to help countries without such programs. They urged support to mobilize domestic stakeholders, establish appropriate legal/regulatory frameworks, and launch national programs as well as to help countries with standards and labeling programs expand coverage of appliances, revise stringency levels and track program impacts. Attendees included government planners, equipment manufacturers, consumer union representatives, and technical experts.

For more information on CLASP and its programs:
www.clasponline.org/

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Earth Apple Awards-June 30 Deadline

The Green Schools Program is accepting entries for the Earth Apple Awards until June 30. What could be a better way to have energy saving activities recognized? Among the prizes are a laptop computer, a camcorder, and a digital camera. Complete details about the awards and the prizes may be found at:

www.ase.org/greenschools/earth_apple.htm

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EYE OPENERS

New Bilingual Web Site Offers Tips for Social Marketing

Tools of Change/Outils de changement is a free, bilingual web site for people and organizations who plan and run programs that promote healthier, more environmentally sustainable actions and habits. The site contains a growing bank of detailed case studies with planning guides and worksheets to help people learn more quickly from their experiences. Interactive guides show how to apply community-based social marketing tools more effectively and how to boost participation in a company's programs.

More information:
www.toolsofchange.com

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Cutting Edge Online Energy Lab for Kids

The Department of Energy has set up a fun online energy lab for kids. Featuring Dr. E, a bespectacled monkey scientist, the new site has information about energy from wind, solar, and geothermal sources among others.

www.eren.doe.gov/kids/

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EFFICIENCY EVENTS

Brown Bag Discussion of CAFE Standards

David Friedman, Senior Analyst in the Clean Vehicle Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is releasing a comprehensive report investigating the impacts of raising fuel economy standards over the next two decades. This brown bag discussion will provide a summary of the report.

RSVP Required. Contact Laura Lind at (202) 530-2236 or llind@ase.org.

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Two-for-one Admission at SRI's Weather Risk Management in the Energy Industry Conference

Strategic Research Institute's (SRI) "Weather Risk Management in the Energy Industry" conference is an insight into the use of Weather Derivatives to manage risk in the oil, gas, coal, and utility Industries. This two-day instructional course is being held on June 28-29, 2001 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mention special offer code 80047 and receive a two-for-one admission.

Call 800-599-4950 to register.

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Last Call for WEDC Energy Summit 2001

The World Economic Development Congress (WEDC) is announcing its last call for registering for the WEDC ENERGY SUMMIT 2001, held from June 27-29, 2001 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

More Information:
http://www.wedckl.com/
Call Mark Red at 1 212 869-7231 x 33.

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Ball State Campus Greening Conference Sept. 20-22

This interdisciplinary conference allows people representing diverse areas in university communities to share information on environmental issues. These areas range from the practical day-to-day management of the physical plant to "green" curriculum development and "green" utilization of campus resources. The areas are bound by common concerns for achieving environmental soundness through safe and sane management of resources.

The campus community can become a "green" model for society as a whole by gathering and sharing this information.

More information:
www.bsu.edu/provost/ceres/greening/

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Green Power Marketing Conference July 30-Aug 1

This year's conference, "Opportunity Amidst Uncertainty," will review the year's green power highlights, analyze utility green pricing programs, address supply-side issues and economic development, explore how to increase green power demand, examine green certificate trading and tracking and discuss the best ways to market and sell green power-whether in a competitive or regulated environment.

To sign up as an exhibitor, you may sign up directly on the conference website at
http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/conference

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CONTACT US

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info@ase.org
www.ase.org/

monthly electronic newsletter from the Alliance to Save Energy

This page was updated June 19, 2001

The Alliance to Save Energy
1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202/857-0666 Fax: 202/331-9588
info@ase.org http://www.ase.org/