As I mentioned in a previous post, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu is an energy efficiency geek and that’s why he is loved by anyone that has a rational view on energy policy.

Today he gave us efficiency geeks another reason to gloat by writing a fantastic piece on HuffingtonPost explaining in plain words the importance of home weatherization (or ”saving money by saving energy” as he likes to say) and outlining new federal programs to help average Americans cope with the high upfront cost that comes with reducing residential energy use.

Just like Berkeley’s fantastic solar initiative, the new Department of Energy plan will make low-interest loans available for people investing in efficiency improvements in their homes. The loan will be tied to your property taxes and therefore stay with the house.

The homeowners might pay an extra $400 per year on their property tax bill but save $500 a year on their utility bill. Since the financing would be attached to the property tax bill, both the savings and the loan payments stay with the house if the owners decide to sell.

Unfortunately, all the programs announced by the Secretary of Energy are backed by a token sum that isn’t nearly enough to rapidly and effectively reduce our emissions at the levels they need to be.

California: 1 million clean-energy jobs are on the line.

1 million clean-energy jobs are on the line.

A key amendment to the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act could create 1 million new jobs in the clean-energy economy, by requiring utilities to invest in energy-efficiency renovations for millions of buildings nationwide.

But utility companies are pressuring California Senator Barbara Boxer, who co-sponsored the bill, to reject the amendment. These companies prefer giveaways with no strings attached.

Let’s tell Senator Boxer what the people of California want.

Call Senator Boxer now. Tell her to support 1 million clean-energy jobs, not giveaways to utilities.

Next week is critical, as the Environment and Public Works Committee begins to “mark-up” its version of the bill. Senator Boxer needs to hear from us now.

Thank you for taking action and working to create a better future for all of us.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins
Chief Executive Officer
Green For All

(Photo Credit: Emmett McGregor)