Last week the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454), setting the stage for a large scale cap and trade program.  The path through the Senate is expected to be much tougher, but if the act passes, how would it work and what would it mean for energy efficiency? Well for starters, the act will establish a national building code, provide additional funding for State Energy Efficiency Development (SEED), and provide continuation of the massive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the DOE’s State Energy Program. 

For a much more detailed breakdown of the potential program, surf on over to this article at greenerbuildings.com. 

The USDA recently announced a request for grant and guaranteed loan applications from agricultural producers and rural small businesses for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements.  The Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (REAP/RES/EEI) is accepting applications through July 31, 2009.

The REAP/RES/EEI Grants Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

The energy efficiency improvement projects are eligible for up to 25% of eligible project costs but will not exceed $250,000.  Most rural projects that reduce energy use and result in savings for the agricultural producer or small business are eligible as energy efficiency projects. These include projects such as retrofitting lighting or insulation, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficient units (variable speed drives, vacuum pumps, ventilation fans, etc).

Today at sustainablebusiness.com, an article was featured about Environment America's recent release of a plan to reduce US Emissions by at least 34% through implementation of energy efficiency measures in our homes and businesses. Building a Better Future: Moving Toward Zero Pollution with Highly Efficient Homes and Businesses outlines policy steps that local and state officials and the federal government can take to significantly cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It's a good read, check it out.

As the energy efficiency tidal wave continues to strengthen, Big Oil has decided to join in on the fun. Whether it's just a PR move or more sincere, the participation of companies such as those that are Big Oil (ExxonMobil, BP America, Chevron, Shell, and ConocoPhillips) and their large funding resources will be important to bring this industry to a higher level. After reading this article, a previous Wall Street Journal piece on “The Climate Change Lobby” came to mind. Here Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy, perhaps said it best: “If you don't have a seat at the table, you'll wind up on the menu."

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is hosting it's annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference at the InterContinental Chicago from January 7-9. Shortly after, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is holding it's 2009 Winter Conference at the McCormick Center Chicago from January 24-28. A third noteworthy conference is also taking place in January, the Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) is hosting it's 19^th National Energy Services Conference & Expo (NESC) in San Diego from January 26-29. MWE2 will be attending both the MEEA and AESP conferences, if you will also be in attendance, drop me a line at kdunn@mwe2.com.

With a need to prioritize credits based on regional issues and the increased importance of energy efficiency in commercial buildings, the USGBC membership unanimously approved an update to the widely used LEED rating systems. Launching in March of next year, LEED 2009 re-weights several credit categories and allows for extra points that have been identified as priorities within a specific environmental zone. For example, a new building previously could obtain a maximum of 10 points for the Optimize Energy Performance category, with LEED 2009, the maximum is 19.

Earlier this month, American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) released the 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Several Midwest States made a strong showing by cracking the “Top 10” for the first time; including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

States with recently launched Energy Efficiency programs, such as, Illinois can expect to climb substantially over the next few years as funding levels grow from $8.5 Million Statewide in 2007 to over $50 Million Statewide in 2008. The funding levels are planned to increase to over $100 Million and $150 Million in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Not to be outdone, other Midwest states have also announced government mandated Energy Efficiency Programs. Utilities in Ohio are expected to launch large EE incentive programs in early 2009 and Michigan is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2009. Both Ohio and Michigan will provide funding in the same range as the newly launched Illinois programs.