The 2018 Omnibus spending bill has been passed by Congress and this is great news for energy efficiency. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy explains that the bill upholds or increases investments in multiple federal programs which help consumers and businesses save energy. This includes programs like ENERGY STAR, which helps Americans save energy through energy efficiency standards on appliances. The Omnibus Bill will also increase funding to the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by by 11%.
According the ACEEE, the increased investment in energy efficiency from the passing of the Omnibus Bill should:
- Increase money in money in Americans' wallets through increased savings on utility bills
- Raise the bottom line for American businesses through increased savings
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in energy use
- Create a healthier US economy through less reliance on fossil fuels
To read the full ACEEE write-up on the impacts of the Omnibus Bill please go here