US Energy Efficiency Path Unclear for 2015

摘要

Congressional efforts to improve energy efficiency hit a few stumbling blocks in 2014, despite the vast potential for more natural gas and electricity to be conserved throughout the US economy. Energy efficiency legislation spearheaded by US Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) and Rob-Portman (R- Ohio) was last in line for a vote in the fall of 2013, but it did not work its way onto the Senate's agenda this year. The bill largely seeks energy efficiency gains in commercial and government buildings and industrial complexes, while promoting upgrades in schools, homes and federal data centers through a combination of financial incentives, information-sharing programs and updated codes. Also, the legislation aims to curb demand in the "life-cycle" supply chains of industrial sectors, which consume large amounts of electricity and natural gas. The bipartisan duo recently introduced a stripped-down version of the bill in hopes of securing a vote on the package sometime in early 2015.