# Good News: Congress Stands Up for Energy Efficiency with Omnibus Bill

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/03/good-news-congress-stands-up-for-energy-efficiency-with-omnibus-bill/
- Published: 2018-03-23T20:39:50-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

#### **_Statement by Lowell Ungar, ACEEE Senior Policy Advisor_**

The 2018 omnibus spending bill is good news for energy efficiency. The bill, the
[Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.](https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4417591-FY-2018-Omnibus.html)

It disregards the draconian cuts proposed by the administration. Moreover and instead
it upholds or increases investments in many federal programs. All that help consumers
and businesses save energy. That means more money in Americans’ wallets. Furthermore,
a better bottom line for American businesses, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, 
and a healthier US economy.

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Overall, the omnibus bill increases funding for energy efficiency programs at the
US Department of Energy [(DOE)](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/doe-offers-170-million-for-solar-energy-technologies/).
It maintains funding levels for efficiency programs at the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Specifically, the bill maintains current funding levels for [ENERGY STAR](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/)
®  That’s as well as SmartWay and other voluntary programs. All that give consumers
and businesses the information they need to select energy-efficient products. EPA’s
Ann Arbor laboratory, where all vehicle certification testing and standards development
occurs. For that also appears to be level-funded.

## The benefits

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will see an overall increase
of 11%. In addition,  a bump in funding for almost all of the program offices. The
Advanced Manufacturing Office (which includes the [Industrial Assessment Centers](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/))
will see an 18% increase, while the Building Technologies and Vehicle Technologies
Offices will each receive 10% more funding for FY18. The legislation also includes
10% increases for the [Weatherization Assistance Program](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/)—
which helps low-income families and seniors make home improvements that improve 
energy efficiency and health, and the [State Energy Program](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/)—
which helps state governments make critical energy efficiency, renewable energy,
and energy security investments.

We are encouraged to see that Congress recognizes the value of these key energy 
efficiency programs. The bill does cut DOE’s [Equipment and Building Standards Program](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/),
which saves families nearly $500 on their energy and water bills each year, by 7%(
it also includes the [Building Energy Codes Program](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/)).
However, the lack of support by the administration for implementing these programs(
including statutory obligations) is a much bigger problem. We strongly hope that
Congress continues to support both of these programs.  With consistent investments
in these critical programs, Congress can ensure that energy [efficiency continues to cut energy waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/businesses-dispose-of-waste-efficiently-and-responsibly/),
create jobs, drive economic growth, and save money for American families and businesses.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance
energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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