Washington, D.C., August 8, 2005 – “The Alliance to Save Energy pledges to work for full implementation and full funding of the energy-efficiency provisions in the new energy law signed by the president today,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “Much work lies ahead for Congress and the administration if we are to realize the law’s energy-saving potential and reap its promised benefits for our economy, environment, and national security.

In fact, the energy-saving potential of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is significant. The Alliance estimates that by the year 2020, the law’s energy-efficiency provisions can reduce the anticipated growth in U.S. energy use by nearly 10 percent. Callahan noted, “The energy law represents a ‘To Do List’ on energy efficiency for Congress and the administration, and the Alliance will work to ensure that all remaining actions are taken expeditiously. For example, the important voluntary programs to advance efficiency in the building and utility sectors must now be designed, funded, and implemented. Similarly, the Department of Energy must now develop the appliance and equipment efficiency standards that the law calls for, and Congress must fund the energy-efficiency research, development, and deployment programs that the law authorizes.

“In addition,” Callahan continued, “the Alliance will redouble its efforts to advance energy efficiency in the transportation sector, as the new energy law does precious little to address the significant threat to our nation posed by our dangerous over-reliance on oil. Our energy policy will be incomplete until we take serious steps to reduce our oil addiction in the transportation sector, which accounts for two-thirds of total U.S. oil use.”