Reason number 4,982 to increase the energy efficiency of your house: It's Patriotic! The administration's announcement today puts the very future of the global economy on the shoulders of energy efficiency, and notes, "It's time for America to lead the way."
The announcement, which describes an initiative designating $70 million for residential building efficiency and $100 million for advanced building systems research, opens with an appeal for more efficient lighting, generally described as "the low hanging fruit," of efficiency. Energy Secretary Steven Chu took that analogy a step further:
"When it comes to saving money and growing our economy, energy efficiency isn't just low hanging fruit; it's fruit laying on the ground."
There is a dire note in this description - a sense that we may run out of time if we don't make haste. Rotten fruit smells bad and makes a mess. It's awfully hard to pick up. It's true that some of these changes are as easy as changing a bulb. But easy doesn't mean optional. Which brings us back to the economy, which Chu once again puts in the hands of energy efficiency:
"By bringing more energy efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won't just significantly reduce our energy demand; we'll put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.... The most prosperous, competitive economies of the 21st century will be those that use energy efficiently." He said.
A tall order for efficiency? Maybe, but we think energy efficiency is exactly the right place to start, and now is the time.
For more information, consult the entire Department of Energy release.
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