Want Environmental Justice? Look to Energy Efficiency.
Author: https://www.politico.com/ Date Posted:5 February 2021
There is no silver bullet for reducing this burden, but energy efficiency is a grossly undervalued solution, particularly as we work simultaneously to tackle the climate crisis in way that promotes environmental justice. In fact, given energy efficiency’s ability to reduce costs, cut pollution and create jobs, I would argue that the conversation so many of us are having about environmental justice and climate policy.
Consider that energy consumption in the U.S. and related emissions would be about 60 percent higher today if not for the efficiency gains we’ve made since 1980, which has saved consumers $800 billion annually on energy bills. Consider that one efficiency program alone — the Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standards for common appliances – saves the average household more than $500 per year.
