A coalition of manufacturers, utilities, trade associations, and advocacy groups are urging Congress to double the funding for the U.S. Energy Star program.
Energy Star, housed mostly within the Environmental Protection Agency, “delivers a remarkable bang for the buck in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 330 million metric tons of avoided emission reduction each year—roughly 5% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions annually,” according to a letter sent to Congress by the coalition. “Meanwhile, the program saves American consumers and businesses more than $35 billion annually in avoided energy costs.”
The program has seen its budget steadily decline in recent years with overall cuts at EPA. Adjusted for inflation, its budget, today at $35 million, would need to be about $65 million to keep pace with funding levels of a decade ago, the coalition says.
“We know that Congress is looking for innovative, cost-effective, and high-impact approaches for achieving emissions reductions while also boosting economic productivity,” the letter continues. “Energy Star meets all of those criteria through a voluntary, market-based program with a relatively low cost and with enormous untapped potential.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
New York City passes overhaul of construction codes
Over 600 major changes along with thousands of smaller updates slated for 2022.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
One-quarter of U.S. critical infrastructure at risk of failure due to flooding
Police and fire stations, hospitals, airports, and wastewater treatment facilities face threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.