One way the government could promote energy efficiency would be to establish broad policy initiatives that recognize energy efficiency as an energy resource. A model for this exists in the Pacific Northwest. In December 1980, Congress authorized the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, Public Law 96-501, which established the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council, more commonly known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council or the Council. (Ossmann, 2013) The following year, four states — Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington — agreed to make the Council an interstate agency for planning purposes and to provide policy leadership on energy and fish and wildlife issues. The Council develops plans in partnership with the states and general public which, when implemented, assure sustainability defined as including a safe, reliable and economical power supply with “due regard for the environment.” (Ossmann, 2013) The Council, through its regional planning process, often called the “regional dialog,” solicits broad public input and then works to develop a long-range plan that meets the region’s energy and environmental needs while balancing competing interests. In the planning process, energy efficiency has long been considered the least-cost energy resource and a more sustainable way to address increased need for generation brought on by a growing population and economy. In the 34 years since the Act was established, the region has saved more than 5,300 average megawatts, which would be the electricity needed to power five cities the size of Seattle. (Council, 2014) The federal government has also recognized the value of energy efficiency in the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to reduce carbon emissions from power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. (EPA, 2014) The proposed rule sets emissions standards at the state level, encourages collaboration among states and recognizes the value in zero-emissions actions like energy efficiency and renewable energy in meeting those reduction standards. Clearly, the government is capable of establishing policy and then stepping aside to let regions, states or communities go to work on local solutions.

The Pacific Northwest has an effective planning process in place that helps guide energy and natural resource policies and practices. Energy efficiency is an integral part of that plan. For decades, utilities in the region have developed, implemented and promoted energy efficiency programs to help the region meet its sustainability goals. I think that model could be used to assist other regions in meeting the emissions reduction standards in the proposed rule. To move this idea forward, I would propose a business with the expertise available to establish regional versions of the Council. The entity would have representatives from each state and would be tasked with developing a regional plan for not only meeting the emissions standards from power plants, but to also give due consideration to the environment. Energy efficiency would be recognized as key in not only meeting the standards but in creating a more sustainable environment for the future.

Environmental Protection Agency. “Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule.” Retrieved 9/12/14 from http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/clean-power-plan-proposed-rule

Northwest Power & Conservation Council. August 7, 2014. “Energy Efficiency Will Help Meet EPA’s Carbon Rules.” Retrieved 9/12/14 from https://www.nwcouncil.org/news/blog/energy-efficiency-will-help-meet-epa-carbon-rules/

Ossman, Sharon. January 16, 2013. Northwest Power & Conservation Council Bylaws. Retrieved 9/12/14 from https://www.nwcouncil.org/about/policies/bylaws/