|
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, along with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Southface, recently introduced two new reports examining energy efficiency and water/energy policy priorities in the Southeast.
Energy efficiency policies in the Southeast U.S. can help reduce electricity use by more than 10 percent over the next six years – saving the same amount of power generated by more than 30 coal-fired power plants. According to Power of Efficiency, energy efficiency savings can be captured in the near future with prompt policy action by states. For instance, updating and enforcing energy codes for residential and commercial buildings will save consumers money and drastically reduce energy demands.
Stressed water supplies in the Southeast United States could be relieved by introducing energy and water conservation policies outlined in Water and Watts. The report notes that approximately two out of every three gallons of freshwater withdrawn in the Southeast U.S. are sent to thermoelectric power plants, which are mostly coal-fired and nuclear. These plants require about 40 billion gallons of freshwater each day – nearly equal to the total daily freshwater withdrawals required to meet public supply needs for the entire U.S.
|
