WASHINGTON—Significantly reducing carbon emissions to meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement will almost certainly require major energy efficiency improvements, Alliance to Save Energy President Jason Hartke said in testimony submitted to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Tuesday. Hartke is testifying at the committee’s hearing on “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Efforts in the U.S.” Tuesday morning.

“It’s virtually impossible to achieve even modest carbon reduction goals without robust gains in energy efficiency,” Hartke says in his written testimony, citing an International Energy Agency estimate that cost-effective energy efficiency measures alone could account for more than 40 percent of the emissions reductions needed to meet the goals of the Paris climate accord.

Hartke argues that the United States has made enormous strides in reducing energy waste, but “despite our gains, energy efficiency remains our greatest energy resource, and the opportunities ahead are even greater than our past accomplishments.”

In his testimony, Hartke presents a series of recommendations for legislative action and oversight of the executive branch to advance energy efficiency. The actions would not only reduce carbon emissions but be an economic boon.

“The good news is that the energy policy solutions, particularly in energy efficiency, double as powerful economic policy. To those wondering if we can tackle climate change while simultaneously strengthening our economy and global competitiveness, the answer with efficiency is a resounding yes.”

About the Alliance to Save Energy

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders working to expand the economy while using less energy. Our mission is to promote energy productivity worldwide – including through energy efficiency – to achieve a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security, affordability and reliability.

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