On May 17, the Bush Administration released its National Energy Policy, which outlines the administration’s short- and long-term recommendations for energy production and conservation in America.
Most of the policy focuses on increased production of coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. However, the policy also includes recommendations for encouraging energy efficiency in buildings and automobiles, and for funding research for clean and renewable sources of energy—such as wind, solar, and biomass—using an estimated $1.2 billion in bid bonuses from the leasing of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to oil companies.
Among the recommendations that most affect facilities management are:
- Expansion of the US Department of Energy’s Energy Star program to include schools, retail buildings, health care facilities, and homes;
- Promotion of greater energy efficiency;
- Improving the energy efficiency of appliances;
- Increasing energy conservation in federal facilities, especially during periods of peak demand;
- Encouraging increased energy efficiency through combined heat and power projects (CHP) by shortening the depreciation life for CHP projects or providing an investment tax credit; and
- Using CHP and other clean power generation at brownfield sites, consistent with local communities’ interests.
For the complete 170-page Bush energy policy in PDF format, visit the White House Web site.
