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

e-FFICIENCY NEWS

WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER e-FFICIENCY NEWS

The monthly newsletter from the
Alliance to Save Energy

November 2001 Vol. 3 No. 11

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CONTENTS

EFFICIENCY NEWS

ALLIANCE NEWS

Alliance Honors Governor Pataki, Sets Record Attendance at Gala
Senator Bingaman, Representative Markey Address Alliance Energy Efficiency Summit, Secretary Abraham Keynotes
Alliance President Addresses MIT Recent Technology and Culture Forums on Energy, Climate
Alliance Congratulates Vice President Cheney for High-level Federal Government Energy Efficiency Support
Alliance Municipal Water Efficiency Program Model for World Bank, PROCEL

EYE OPENERS

EFFICIENCY EVENTS

EFFICIENCY PEOPLE

Energy Job Openings

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EFFICIENCY NEWS

EPA to DOE: Tighten Air Conditioner Standards; Alliance Urges Bush Administration to 'Take Arsenic Approach'

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wrote to the Department of Energy (DOE) disputing key assumptions of the Department's proposal to roll back and weaken Clinton administration energy efficiency standards for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. EPA chose verisimilitude over politics, accusing DOE of "misinformation," saying the Department significantly understated potential energy savings while exaggerating the impact on industry. The Clinton administration had set a 30 percent improvement in air conditioning standards (a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, of 13), while the Bush Administration proposes a rollback to 12 SEER, which would lose about half the benefits of SEER 13, including energy savings and peak electric demand.

Alliance President David M. Nemtzow urged the Bush Administration to "choose science over special interests" when setting environmental and energy regulations, such as air conditioner standards, much as they just did on arsenic levels in drinking water.

Alliance news release, text of EPA letter:
www.ase.org/media/newsrel/anarelease.htm
www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/documents/epaletter.htm

Energy Bill-Will It or Won't It?

As the days tick off and Thanksgiving approaches, it is still unclear whether the Senate will take up an energy bill this year. Republicans have turned up the pressure and vowed to try to attach an energy bill to whatever vehicle they can. Democrats, under the leadership of Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), continue methodically to assemble a bill. Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) claims that Daschle doesn't want to bring up a bill because he would lose on the issue of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Daschle, whose bill is expected to include significant provisions to increase automobile fuel economy, as well as tax credits for energy-efficient technologies in turn, has taken the GOP to task for holding up appropriations bills and other important business that must be done before the Senate can get to energy.

Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Alliance Chair Senator Bingaman acknowledged the long odds against the passage of an energy bill this year to reporters covering the Alliance's Energy Efficiency Summit. But, with the Senate now expected to stay past Thanksgiving to resolve conflicts over appropriations, airport security, and the economic stimulus, nothing is certain.

Stay abreast of energy policy at:
www.ase.org/policy

Reuters article on delay of energy legislation:
dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011025/pl/energy_congress_dc_2.html

Washington Times article on GOP's plans to push energy legislation through congress:
www.washingtontimes.com/national/20011108-720355.htm

Contact the Alliance Policy team:
David Hamilton: dham@ase.org
Kara Rinaldi: krinaldi@ase.org
Allen Stayman: astayman@ase.org

Efficiency Saves Day in California

Energy efficiency and conservation showed their mettle in the California summer of 2001, helping the state dodge widespread power blackouts in what was termed a "perfect storm" of high power prices, inadequate generation capacity, and regulatory mistakes. A recent analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council's Ralph Cavanagh, to be published in the Electricity Journal documents the role efficiency played in keeping the lights on. The California Energy Commission estimates that weather-adjusted peaks for June through September declined by about nine percent on average, compared with the same months in 2000. This decline occurred despite the summer of 2000 being the 25th hottest 107 years and robust economic growth, nearly nine percent.

Read Ralph Cavanaugh's piece
http://www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/documents/cavanagh.htm

Consumer Reports, Whirlpool Urge DOE to Fix Dishwasher Efficiency Test

In its December issue, Consumer Reports suggests that DOE remove dishwashers from the Energy Star program temporarily, until DOE revises the test procedure for these products. Whirlpool raised the ante in an October 31 letter to DOE and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), by asking that the FTC's EnergyGuide label also be suspended for these products. The controversy revolves around soil sensors; the current DOE test procedure uses clean dishes only, but up to half of modern dishwashers use soil sensors to adjust energy and water use based on how clean the dishes are. They can thus help save energy, but until the test procedure is changed, it's not possible to know how different models actually perform with dirty dishes. The Alliance shares the concerns raised by Consumer Reports and Whirlpool, as do other efficiency advocates; in a November 6 DOE hearing on appliance standards priorities, Alliance Director of Buildings and Utilities Programs Bill Prindle urged Assistant Energy Secretary David Garman to complete the correction of the test procedure revision as soon as possible.

More information:
http://www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/documents/dishwashers.htm

OSRAM SYLVANIA's Gift Lights Jefferson Memorial, Saves Energy

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, EPA Director Christine Todd Whitman, Former OSRAM SYLVANIA President Dean Langford and many other luminaries attended the inauguration of the new lighting of the Jefferson Memorial in the nation's capital. The lighting ceremony, originally planned for mid-September was delayed until October 23 due to the tragic events of September 11. OSRAM SYLVANIA donated the improved lighting to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's Inauguration and the 100th anniversary of SYLVANIA. The lighting used in the memorial has the latest in lamp and control technology, uses 78 percent less energy, and illuminates 30 percent more of the memorial. In addition, four areas will be illuminated for the first time: the memorial stairs, the pediment, the interior dome, and the interior dome text frieze.

More information:
http://www.ase.org/profess/associates/washgas#viedo

Washington Gas, Alliance Produce Energy Efficiency Video

Alliance Associate Washington Gas teamed with the Alliance to produce a consumer video on natural gas energy efficiency that can be customized for u se by other companies. Alliance Director of Buildings and Utilities Programs Bill Prindle narrates the "how-to" segments by walking consumers through a home while covering such issues as an energy audit, sealing leaking windows and doors, programmable thermostats, insulation, and Energy Star appliances.

Washington Gas also customized the Alliance's popular Power$mart consumer booklet with the Washington Gas logo and name on the front cover and additional information on the back cover.

For information about purchasing copies of the video for customization, please contact Lauren Young of Washington Gas at (202) 624-6311.

Watch the Washington Gas video:
http://http://www.ase.org/profess/associates/washgas#viedo

To customize and/or order Power$mart brochures and view the Washington Gas Power$mart visit:
http://http://www.ase.org/powersmart/order.html
http://http://www.ase.org/profess/associates/washgaspowersmart.htm

ALLIANCE NEWS

Alliance Honors Governor Pataki, Sets Record Attendance at Gala

New York Governor George Pataki, winner of the Alliance's highest honor, the Charles Percy Award, addressed more than 450 people at the Alliance's Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency black tie gala reception and dinner October 24. Following an introduction by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Governor Pataki spoke in impassioned tones about energy efficiency, stating more than once "We need to put the next generation before the next election." Governor Pataki discussed the link between energy security and national security and said that "In the 21st century, energy security is national security."

The Alliance honored others as well in the East Hall of Union Station: the Energy Service Company industry, and long-time energy efficiency champion Howard Geller received awards. Representatives from more than 110 companies, nonprofit organizations, and government officials, including 35 dinner Vice Chairs, were on hand.

A slide show of the gala and excerpts from speeches at:
www.ase.org/stars

Senator Bingaman, Representative Markey Address Alliance Energy Efficiency Summit, Secretary Abraham Keynotes

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham spoke to an overflow crowd in the early afternoon of October 25. His comments ranged from the pragmatic assessment of the current energy situation, to the Administration's energy philosophy, to the statement of principles of the Department of Energy. The Secretary said "While the use of energy is important, it is only one side of the coin - we should also be focused on the efficiency with which we produce power."

Alliance Chair Senator Bingaman and Vice-Chair Representative Markey delivered remarks early in the program, each stressing efficiency as a necessary component in any national energy policy.

The final panel of the day, "New Dimensions in Energy Security," featured former CIA director James Woolsey, dynamic energy scenario briefings from noted economists Phillip Verleger and Adam Sieminski, and, in closing, an overview of current energy insecurity issues by noted soft-path lecturer Amory Lovins, whose presentations may be found on the Alliance website.

Secretary Abraham's speech:
www.ase.org/stars/Spencerspeech.htm

Excerpts of speeches, and individual presentations at:
www.ase.org/summit/
www.ase.org/summit/speakers.htm

Alliance President Addresses MIT Forum on Energy, Climate

Alliance President David Nemtzow joined Ernest Moniz (Physics Professor at MIT and former US Energy Undersecretary), , and Thomas Casten (Chairman and CEO, Private Power LLC) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Holloman Symposium, which this year examined Energy and Climate Change.

Web cast live, Nemtzow's remarks began with a 1977quote from Herbert Holloman: "With adequate citizen participation in the decisions, the uses of technology can be turned to benefit the society"

Nemtzow continued, "We have a technological answer to our nation's energy and climate problems, and I'm not just saying that because of the T in MIT. There really are technological responses to tightening fuel economy standards. . . . In the 1970s, these technologies were as "exotic" as radial tires and 4 valve engines and aerodynamic design. . . ."

Listen to the whole webcast:
http://web.mit.edu/tac/www/recentforums.htm

Alliance Congratulates Vice President Cheney for High-level Federal Government Energy Efficiency Support

The Alliance to Save Energy - which three years ago exposed more than $1 billion annually of energy waste in the federal government, the nation's largest energy user - now is praising the White House for its high level support for the federal government's energy efficiency efforts.

"Despite the recent terrorist attacks on the United States and the ongoing war, Vice President Cheney took the time to present awards personally to four federal agency energy management teams whose projects will result in significant energy cost savings. In this climate of uncertainty about energy supply, demand, cost, and depth of dependence, White House leadership is invaluable in making the government more energy efficient," Nemtzow said.

Link to Alliance news release:
www.ase.org/media/newsrel/anarelease.htm

Alliance Municipal Water Efficiency Program Model for World Bank, PROCEL

The World Bank and PROCEL, the Brazilian agency that promotes the efficient use of electricity, are looking to improve the efficiency of municipal water operations around Brazil. The World Bank funded effort will use the Alliance's programs in northeast Brazil as a model for promoting improved efficiency within state-owned and private water and wastewater utilities across Brazil. All of the events, training seminars, and other activities implemented will be videotaped or otherwise documented as part of a worldwide training package the World Bank is putting together to promote the efficient use of energy and water resources by municipalities.

More information at:
http://www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/documents/watermodel.htm

EYE OPENERS

Center for a New American Dream Allows Consumers to See Impact of Efficiency

"Step by Step," a monthly email bulletin, offers participants one easy action each month they can take to move businesses and institutions to change the way they consume. Participants can also track their savings and the impact of the entire program's savings. The November issue deals with energy efficiency, stating: "We cannot support a national energy policy that makes the U.S. even more reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels and nuclear energy sources. In order to make sure that the Senate passes a national energy policy that pushes for conservation and efficiency. . . "

Laundrylist.org: Conserving Energy No Laughing Matter

There was a time when every house (and even some apartment buildings) had clotheslines in the back yard that were nearly always used, even when energy was cheap. Now, we know that energy costs more than the dollars we pay for it, not the least of which is the cost of protecting our foreign sources of energy. A new website offers one way to help consumers save energy: by hanging up a clothesline. Visit laundrylist.org to read more, and don't forget to read the Doonesbury cartoons from last summer when many Americans learned for the first time that clotheslines are banned in many neighborhoods.

Visit Laundrylist.org and read the Doonesbury cartoons:
www.laundrylist.org/
http://www.laundrylist.org/trudeau.htm

Read more about Laundrylist.org:
frugalliving.about.com/library/weekly/aa103001a.htm

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EFFICIENCY EVENTS

'Buildings VIII' Conference, December 2-7

The Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings VIII Conference will be held in Clearwater Beach, Florida, on December 2-7, 2001. "Buildings VIII," is an international conference focusing on building envelopes.

More information at:
http://www.ornl.gov/buildings/.

NAESCO Postpones 18th Annual and Distributed Energy Resources Conference until 2002

The National Association of Energy Service Companies' (NAESCO) conference, which had been scheduled for November 6-9 in Coral Gables, Florida, has been postponed until early 2002.

More information:
202-822-0954, mlb@dwgp.com or visit http://www.naesco.org/

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'Buildings, National Energy Policy' Presentation November 15

David Garman, the U.S. Department of Energy's Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, will discuss buildings and their relationship to the national energy policy at the November 15 Buildings for the 21st Century lecture in Washington, DC.

The Buildings for the 21st Century lectures, sponsored by the Department of Energy and the National Building Museum, are free. AIA members receive one hour of continuing education credit for attending.

Thursday, November 15, 2001, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC

Alliance to Save Energy:
Senior PR/Media Relations Associate

Excellent and proficient writer of news releases, statements, feature articles, op-eds, white papers, newsletters, reports, funding proposals. Strong media pitching/publicist/strategist skills with demonstrated results -- send samples that include news releases and resulting placements. Work on hot energy issue with major media for energy-efficiency Alliance of prominent business, government, consumer, environmental leaders. Demonstrated interest and work in policy.