The President released his blueprint today with language that has noticeably evolved to reflect the sequester mindset now in Congress—the need to lower government costs. Phrases like “double…energy productivity”, “cut energy waste”, “safe and responsible…clean and secure energy future” follow the theme of doing more with less. His current proposals are modest, building on current efforts and leveraging existing public-private partnership programs.
The major topics and corresponding clean energy and innovation policies include:
• Energy Production: Doubling renewable generation from 2012 levels by 2020 by making the wind PTC permanent and refundable and expediting public land energy development permits.
• Energy Security: Energy Security Trust would set aside $2 billion over 10 years for R&D in advanced electric vehicles, domestic biofuels, and fuel cells as well as natural gas. Provide credit for 50% incremental cost of alt-fuel truck for 5-year period.
• Energy Productivity: Double energy productivity from 2010 levels by 2030 with Energy Efficiency Race to the Top challenge; give $200 million to states for CHP, grid modernization, distributed generation and demand response. Support was reiterated for Better Buildings Challenge and Green Button initiatives. R&D for innovative manufacturing processes and advanced industrial materials would be expanded with waste reduction and increased productivity in mind.
• International Leadership: Continue guiding the Clean Energy Ministerial efforts for super-efficient appliances and C&I building practices.
Earlier this week DOE Assistant Secretary David Danielson testified before the House Appropriations Committee on Energy and Water Development and listed the successes—return on investment—for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Read that testimony [download id=”18″].
