Local Energy Efficiency Policy

Local policies related to energy efficiency — implemented at the scale of a municipality, county or metropolitan region — can improve community self-reliance, save consumers and citizens money, create local “main street” jobs, catalyze local economic investment, and protect the environment.  The responsibilities of local governments give them large influence over energy use in their communities through land use and zoning, building requirements, property taxes and transfers, transportation investment decisions, economic and workforce development, and, in many cases, the provision of services such as water and electricity.  Additionally, local governments can lead by example through improving the energy efficiency of their own facilities and operations.