Arkansas Consumers could Save $403 Per Year
if Energy Efficiency Policies are included in Climate and Energy Bill
New Report Shows Proven, Untapped Potential to Conserve Energy, Reduce Home Energy Bills
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
CLICK HERE FOR A FACT SHEET
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2010
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Contact: Eddy Moore AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy Cell: 501-772-5426 |
Little Rock, Ark – A new report released today finds that Arkansas families will continue to spend an extra $403 per year on their energy bills if strong energy efficiency policies are not incorporated into the climate and energy legislation before Congress. The report, released by AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), shows that robust state and federal energy efficiency policies could dramatically reduce energy consumption and save Arkansans $403 on their energy bills every year. These policies would drive down energy costs for families in every state while jump-starting a clean energy economy across the country to put Americans back to work.
“Promoting job growth and US energy independence starts with legislation that requires standards for energy efficiency, renewable energy and creates a private-sector market for low-carbon energy solutions,” said Eddy Moore, coordinator of AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.
The report, Building on the Success of Energy Efficiency Programs to Ensure an Affordable Energy Future, is the first to look strictly at the effects of energy efficiency on home energy use and home utility bills since climate legislation began moving in Congress earlier this year.
“Consumers are letting hundreds of dollars a year slip through their fingers – money they can hardly afford to waste,” said Rose Adams, executive director of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, longtime advocates for lower energy bills for low-income people in Arkansas. “We hope Senators Lincoln and Pryor recognize this clear evidence that common-sense energy efficiency policies can give their state’s families relief from needlessly high gas and electric bills.”
The report, demonstrates the immense benefits to Arkansas families of including strong energy efficiency policies as part of the climate and energy package and job-creation measures currently being debated by the U.S. Senate.
Based on an analysis of state programs and recent national studies, the report concludes that energy efficiency programs can dramatically cut energy waste and that strong federal energy efficiency policies could reduce overall energy use by 20 to 30 percent.
“Our research shows we’ve only begun to tap the energy efficiency potential that can create jobs, conserve energy, and save families hundreds of dollars each year,” said report author Dr. Mark Cooper, Research Director for the Consumer Federation of America. “Given its stellar record of success, it’s time for senators to view energy efficiency as a cornerstone of the nation’s climate and energy policy.”
The Congressional Budget Office estimates climate and energy legislation would cost consumers a postage stamp a day. However, this estimate does not include full energy efficiency benefits.
The report outlines specific policies that would maximize the cost-saving potential of efficiency and create new jobs. These policies include a federal energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) that would require utility companies to encourage efficiency programs for customers, strengthened building codes and appliance efficiency improvements, and proper funding for “retrofitting” or improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Other efficiency proposals – including “BuildingSTAR,” a program that would provide tax credits for retrofitting commercial and apartment buildings – would help businesses cut costs and allow clean energy businesses to expand, putting more Americans into long-term quality jobs.
“Energy efficiency is the cornerstone to ensuring affordable energy for American households in the decades ahead and makes climate policies more cost effective and affordable,” said JD Lowery of Viridian in Little Rock. Viridian specializes in delivering energy efficiency and green building design consultation to its clients; they are also a member of AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.
Members of the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy joined 200 businesses from across the country in Washington D.C. this month to urge Senators Lincoln and Pryor to promote jobs and US energy independence through comprehensive climate and energy legislation that creates standards for energy efficiency, renewable energy and puts a price on carbon.
Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy is an informal network of businesses and business leaders, spanning a wide spectrum of industry and commerce. The network supports a transition to a low-carbon clean energy economy in Arkansas and nationally. For more information on AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy visit: http://www.arkcleaneconomy.biz/
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is an advocacy, research, education and service organization made up of 300 nonprofits from across the United States. CFA has provided consumers a well-reasoned and articulate voice in decisions that affect their lives since 1968. CFA’s professional staff gathers facts, analyzes issues, and disseminates information to the public, policymakers, and rest of the consumer movement.
To view the full report visit: http://www.consumerfed.org/elements/www.consumerfed.org/File/ConsumerImpactfinal.pdf
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