Energy Partnership: Comprehensive US Federal Programs

Panel: Panel 3: Market Transformation: Innovation, Development and Dissemination

Authors:
David A. Kovner, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Dept. of Energy
Peter S. Fox-Penner, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Dept. of Energy
Arthur H. Rosenfeld, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Dept. of Energy
Louis V. Divone, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Dept. of Energy

Abstract

In 1992, two major events marked significant steps forward in terms of U.S. energy policy, marking a new direction to meet the challenges of economic and technological competitiveness in the growing markets for energy and environmental technologies. First, the U.S. Congress passed the landmark National Energy Policy Act (EPACT). EPACT focuses on efficient consumption and production of energy in the U.S., from demonstrating renewable energy sources to alternative fuel fleet purchases to integrated resource planning. Secondly, the U.S. elected President William J. Clinton who brought with him decision makers and leaders who re-drrected national policy in the direction of comprehensive programs m efficiency and renewables that benefit the economy while preserving the environment and natural resources.

We are only beginning to see the effects of the current Administration?s programs, many of which were initiated during President Clinton?s first year in office but did not receive Federal funding until 1994 or 1995. The U.S. Department of Energy?s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy?s programs to be discussed here fall under one of three categories: 1)grants to retrofit the dwellings of low-income families (about $220 M aunually) and schools and hospitals; 2)Renewable energy, covering research, development and demonstration of the latest technologies; and 3)Effrciency R&D, including analysis and implementation of mandatory standards for appliances, equipment, and federal buildings. Figure 1 provides funding levels for EERE?s programs.

In this paper we summarise the Clinton/Gore administration?s initiatives to improve efficiency in the buildings, industry, and utility sectors, and reduce CO2 emissions back to 1990 levels by 2000. These programs were approved by Congress in the summer of 1994.under the name ?Climate Change Action Plan? (CCAP). The Department of Energy?s contribution to CCAP is called ?Energy Partnerships for a Strong Economy? (Energy Partnerships).

The admmistration has also initiated a multi-million dollar collaboration (Partnership for a New Generatron Vehicle) with the ?Big 3? U.S. automakers -- Ford, General Motors and Chrysler -- to produce a prototype SO mpg [3 liter/lOO km] car (probably a ?hybrid? with a small, constant-power generator, batteries, and electric drive), which should produce an-order-of magnitude less pollution, but which we will not discuss here.