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Orlando, Fla. -- The Alliance to Save Energy has formed a high-level commission, led by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tom King, National Grid USA President and composed of a bipartisan and multi-economic sector group of U.S. leaders as noted below. The charter of the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy (the “Commission”) is to develop and issue a new set of national energy efficiency policies that, taken together, could make the United States one of the world’s most energy-efficient economies by 2030.
The Commission’s recommendations for new national policies, programs, practices and investments will cover all sectors of the economy – buildings, industry, transportation, power generation – and will be designed to invigorate the U.S. economy, increase global competitiveness, and achieve our country’s energy security and environmental goals - simultaneously.
The Alliance will release the Commission’s final report and package of consensus policies before the end of 2012 so that it can serve as an energy efficiency blueprint for the 113th Congress and the next administration. Importantly, the Commission will focus its efforts on policies that can be embraced by conservatives and liberals alike to best insure that they are enacted into law in a timely manner.
The members of the Commission, collectively, have expertise across all sectors of the economy and represent different political perspectives as well as key stakeholders like the environmental and defense communities. Commission co-chair Mark Warner hailed the Commission membership stating, “Securing enactment of energy policy hinges on creating proposals that can attract strong bipartisan support and that businesses and consumers alike recognize as ones that will help boost the economy and create good jobs. Every member of the Commission is committed to creating a portfolio of new and innovative energy efficiency policies that meet these ‘must pass’ tests.” He added, “the Commission is a group that is looking to get things done, not just proposed.”
Commenting on his role as Warner’s co-chair, Tom King remarked, “National Grid is looking to develop ‘Energy Efficiency 2.0’ programs that go far beyond today’s efforts to increase the speed and scale at which energy efficiency is deployed. By bringing our findings to the table, and learning from the insights of the other thought leaders in the Commission, I am confident that we will come forward with innovative solutions that will make a difference.”
Former New York Gov. and Pataki-Cahill Group Founder and Chairman George Pataki, who hosted the first gathering and serves on the Commission said, “States historically have been the incubators for effective national policies, and New York has been a leader for the past three decades in designing policies that have driven energy efficiency deeply throughout the state,” said Pataki. “It is my hope that we can translate New York’s tested and proven state-level policies into national policies and programs so that consumers across the country can realize the energy and dollar savings and the productivity gains that we already are enjoying in New York.” Pataki also is of counsel to Chadbourne and Parke.
To assist the Commission in its efforts, the Alliance has organized an International Advisory Council that will share ideas, best practices and information on public policies and regulations that could be adapted in the United States. In addition, the Alliance has organized a group of technical advisors also will support the Commission with their expertise on new technologies, market trends and key energy challenges facing the buildings, utilities, manufacturing, finance and transportation sectors.
“During our inaugural meeting in February, Commission members evidenced that they have the knowledge, creativity and passion to bring forward innovative new energy efficiency policy proposals that can bridge political divides to become the law of the land, to the benefit of our economy and our global competitiveness,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.
Commissioners include:
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The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, the economy and national security.
