EESI is best known for its non-partisan Congressional briefings on key energy and environmental issues. Topics include climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Learn more at www.eesi.org/briefings http://www.eesi.org/briefings.
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Low-Hanging Fruit: The Economics of Energy Efficiency
On February 5, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing to discuss the enormous economic benefits that can be gained by increasing our nation’s energy efficiency. Investing in efficiency measures is the most immediate and effective way to lower energy demand, reduce carbon emissions, and save households and businesses money. Some experts say the potential for savings throughout all sectors of the US economy is estimated to be on the order of 45-50 billion barrels of oil-equivalent between now and 2030, or about 2.5 times more than some estimates of what would be available from off-shore drilling. They also submit that current federal policy does not take full advantage of savings offered by promoting energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors. Indeed, efficiency should be viewed as a hidden energy reserve as well as an economic opportunity.