Policy News

Pennsylvania Rings the Bell of Energy Efficiency

This post is a collaboration between two of our High Performance Buildings & Communities program staff, Darren Port and Christina Rohrbacher.

From the invention of the electrostatic generator (1747) to the discovery of oil (1856), Pennsylvania has a long list of firsts in the realm of energy. Now for the first time in nearly a decade, PA is ringing in the advent of a new statewide energy code.

May Policy Tracker: Spotlight on New York

April showers bring May flowers, particularly in New York where things are certainly sprouting this spring. As winter finally starts turning to spring in the Northeast, everyone begins to notice the trees greening and nature coming to life all around. Nestled in spring is also Earth Day, where we stop to acknowledge the importance of our environment and take action to protect it for generations to come.

Policy Tracker: March 2018

This winter has seen major fluctuations in weather. From record high temperatures in February to extreme lows in January, the impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent each day. I find myself struggling with the conflict of enjoying 70 degree weather in February while also fearing that this will happen more frequently as our climate continues to change. Understanding this eminent threat, states continue to push initiatives forward that tackle carbon reduction through clean energy programs and policies. Here is a look at some of the most recent activity in the region.

Policy Tracker: January 2018

As we enter a new year, we tend to set resolutions in an attempt to inspire self-growth and to start the year off on the right foot. My personal new year’s resolution it to eat less meat and buy my produce from local farmers markets. For me, this means eating meat that has been raised sustainably. And, as much as I can, not eating it at all. It’s not always easy to stick to resolutions, but the New Year is a great time to think about making changes and creating plans to make those changes happen. 

Policy Tracker: November 2017

The season of coming together with friends and family is fast approaching, and Thanksgiving will kick it off this week. With this, I think about the past year and what I am grateful for, as well as what I look forward to most in the New Year.

Dissecting the 2017 ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard

ACEEE released its famous State Energy Efficiency Scorecard last week. The scorecard aims to provide an annual benchmark of state energy efficiency policies and progress, in addition to offering a comparative tool to direct states toward efficiency policies, best practices, and case studies from high-ranking states and regional neighbors. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic continue to dominate the top 10 rankings, providing a regional example of effective efficiency policies and best practices.

Policy Tracker: Live From New Orleans

I have been lucky enough to attend the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) Annual Meeting, this year held in New Orleans. This has been a great opportunity for a couple of reasons. Professionally, I’ve been able to network with different stakeholders across the country. Personally, I took advantage of the opportunity to dive right into the NOLA experience with my first beignet and Sazerac cocktail. 

Le Tour de Non-Energy Impacts

With July comes the biggest cycling race in the world - Le Tour de France. As an avid biker, this annual summer event is one of my personal favorites. It appeals for a variety of reasons, including the perseverance racers have, the variety of terrain and landscapes the course travels, and the collective wave of success.

Granite State Update: NH Makes Progress on EE, Grid Mod

A drop of one spot in the recent ACEEE State Scorecard should not dishearten Granite Staters who’ve been working hard to make the state more energy efficient. While New Hampshire slid from number 20 to 21 in the much-watched ranking of state energy efficiency leaders, there’s important progress to laud, and the future looks bright.

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