Today, the Department of Energy released its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building, which provides clear, certifiable criteria to designate clean buildings. A building can be certified as “zero emissions” through a verification process by third-party, licensed contractors.
Today, the Biden administration announced New York as the first state to receive funding through the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates Programs, created by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. This new program gives low-and middle- income New Yorkers access to efficiency and clean energy improvements that will make their homes safer and more comfortable, while also lowering energy bills.
Denver, CO — Yesterday, Gov. Polis signed HB24-1370 "Reduce Cost of Use of Natural Gas" into law, launching a process that will encourage community pilot projects across the state to reduce expensive and polluting methane gas infrastructure. Learnings from these pilots will be critical in accelerating the transition away from gas, saving utility customers money, increasing efficiency, creating local jobs, and ultimately cutting dangerous climate and air pollution.
The Senate voted yesterday to overturn the energy efficiency standard for furnaces finalized by the Biden administration to save consumers an estimated $1.5 billion and protect public health and the environment. President Biden has said he will veto the effort.
Denver, CO -- Today the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) concluded deliberations on Xcel Energy's first Clean Heat Plan with a preliminary approval for a portfolio of resources that will substantially reduce emissions from the natural gas utility through investment in building electrification and energy efficiency. A final written order is expected in the coming weeks.
Today, Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 6192, the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act, a bill that would significantly limit the Department of Energy's capacity to enforce energy efficiency standards.
Today, the US Department of Energy finalized a strong energy efficiency standard for water heaters that will benefit consumers and our climate. Phasing out energy-wasting water heaters will lead to lower residential energy bills and help shift the market away from inefficient technologies -- reducing water and energy bills by $7.6 billion per year and easing the strain on the grid, according to the DOE.
Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a final policy determination to update building energy codes for renters in low-income housing. The new codes will result in energy efficiency improvements of 37% and cut energy costs for residents by more than $950 per year. On top of reducing monthly costs, the new HUD/USDA building energy codes will lessen vulnerability to fuel price spikes, support the health, comfort, and safety of residents, and achieve long-term reductions in carbon emissions.
“Everyone wins” under Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings standard
The International Code Council (ICC) announced yesterday that the final version of its new commercial and residential energy codes will not include widely popular and expert-backed provisions that would have reduced energy waste and pollution.
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a final energy efficiency standard for stoves. The new standards will take effect in 2028 and, according to DOE, are projected to save Americans approximately $1.6 billion on their utility bills over 30 years.
***Contact Jonathon Berman for interviews or specific comments on COP28 proceedings***