Energy Efficiency's Next Generation: Innovation at the State Level
William Prindle, Nikolaas Dietsch, R. Neal Elliott, Martin Kushler, Therese Langer, and Steven Nadel
November 2003
Abstract
States have long been known as "laboratories of democracy" in the
U.S. federal system. It is no accident that they are also "laboratories
of efficiency"; states have consistently demonstrated innovation
and leadership in testing energy efficiency policies and programs.
From the first wave of building energy codes and appliance efficiency
standards in the 1970s, to utility efficiency programs in the 1980s,
to climate change-driven initiatives in the 1990s, state legislatures,
utility commissions, and executive agencies have led the way on
efficiency policies and programs that often later found their way
into federal policy.
This report is intended to serve as a guide for state legislatures,
executive agencies, regulatory commissions, and stakeholders who
are interested in moving forward on energy efficiency policy and
program initiatives. The report describes the major categories of
energy efficiency initiatives, summarizes the actions taken in leading
states, and provides guidance for futher action. It does not attempt
to be exhaustive in listing all describable initiatives in the states;
instead it focuses on exemplary efforts where reasonable documentation
and results are available.