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31 July 2006
EPA Wins Energy Efficiency Pledges from Companies, Utilities, July 31, 2006(Cost saving, energy saving, lowered emissions will all result, EPA says)
Washington – Improving energy efficiency, lowering energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are the goals for more than 80 major corporations, utilities and regulatory authorities that signed on to the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) July 31.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is organizing the effort, gaining commitments from the organizations that they will implement the plan’s recommendations for underused energy efficiency techniques that could save Americans hundreds of billions of dollars on gas and electric utility bills.
“Taking action to support the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is a great step towards maximizing energy efficiency, while also answering the president’s call to be mindful of energy consumption,” said Kevin Kolevar, of the Department of Energy, which co-developed NAPEE with EPA.
The plan calls on supporters to adhere to five key recommendations:
· Recognize energy efficiency as a resource;
· Make a strong, long-term commitment to implement cost-effective energy efficiency as a resource;
· Broadly communicate the benefits of, and opportunities for, energy efficiency;
· Promote sufficient, timely, and stable program funding to deliver energy efficiency where cost-effective; and
· Modify policies to align utility incentives with the delivery of cost-effective energy efficiency and modify rate-making practices to promote energy efficiency investments.
At the July 31 announcement of the expansion of NAPEE held in San Francisco, 72 entities across 33 states announced commitments to take action for energy efficiency within their own organizations, according to an EPA press release.
Significant international corporate entities to make the commitment include retailer Wal-Mart Inc.; chemical company Dow; and photography and imaging corporation Eastman-Kodak.
Issuing a public statement of commitment as it signed on to NAPEE, Wal-Mart pledged to build a new energy-efficient building prototype with a goal of producing 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Kodak has committed to reducing worldwide energy usage by 20 percent by 2008. The company also has committed to a 20 percent worldwide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information, see the State Department electronic journal Clean Energy Solutions.
More information on NAPEE is available on the EPA Web site.
