The Need
At relatively little cost, we have the ability to directly reduce energy demand, combat climate change and reduce the need for power plants and other infrastructure. A national energy education campaign aimed at consumers can deliver these benefits swiftly yet will have a lasting effect. The political benefit for leading such a campaign will be great; Americans understand they use too much energy and most want to protect the planet, but they simply don't know how.
California launched such a campaign ("Flex Your Power") during its energy crisis in 2000, and it succeeded wildly. Power demand fell by 14%, consumers saved $600 million in six months in avoided utility costs, and there was a triple-digit increase in the sale of energy-efficient Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs. It all proved good for the state's economy.
Congress has endorsed a public education campaign in its last two major energy bills. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT ’05) authorized a $90 million campaign (Sec. 134). The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) also called for a media campaign (Sec. 801) that would increase the energy efficiency of the U.S. economy, decrease oil consumption and promote the national security benefits of using energy wisely. However, to date, lawmakers have not funded any program akin to what it envisioned, nor has the Administration requested appropriations for such an effort.
The American people are anxious to be called together for a great national purpose. Energy conservation is an excellent way for Americans to invest in their own energy and national security, while saving money and improving the economy.
Solutions
- President Obama should enlist the American people in a national campaign to reduce energy use. It is something that can bring the nation together for a common purpose.
- In support of this effort, Congress should extend and appropriate the authorized amount to fund the public education campaign enacted in EPACT ’05, and adequately fund the energy efficiency provisions of EISA.
