ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Aug 15, 2013
Energy Efficiency Opportunities at USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for much more than simply agricultural regulation. In many ways, it would be more accurately reflected by a title like the “U.S. Depar…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for much more than simply agricultural regulation. In many ways, it would be more accurately reflected by a title like the “U.S. Department of Rural Communities.” Energy efficiency is a component of many USDA assistance programs. Unfortunately, energy efficiency program managers without specific expertise in agriculture tend to overlook USDA as a potential source of funding and a valuable partner for outreach to rural communities across the country. Despite attempts by USDA to make information about its energy programs more readily accessible, it remains difficult to get a comprehensive overview of the energy efficiency programs that are available. This paper is intended to provide an overview of the various programs at USDA that address energy use in rural America. This paper will also examine changes to existing energy efficiency programs proposed in both the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill. It will conclude by offering a set of recommendations to make energy efficiency resources at USDA more accessible.
Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household
The United States faces interlocking energy challenges: rising home energy bills and gasoline prices; new demand for electricity from data centers and other loads; high greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Now, a new era of energy efficiency progress in our buildings, transportation, and industry is needed to meet this moment. This wide-ranging study finds a massive opportunity.
Congress Can Cut Freight Costs and Consumer Prices by Addressing Key Issues in the BUILD America 250 Act
The BUILD America 250 Act, advanced by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would eliminate or weaken many programs that help lower transportation …
Maximizing State Transportation Investments: How Redirecting Spending from Highway Expansion to Public Transit Supports Economies and Communities
Costs to deliver transportation projects have risen drastically in recent years. To avoid wasteful spending, each new dollar invested in transportation infrastructur…
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