Efficiency as an Emissions Reduction Strategy

3rd Annual Summit Breakout Session

Introduced by: John Hall, Environmental Defense Fund

Energy efficiency can help reduce emissions of all air pollutants, alleviating air quality compliance issues facing the region. In fact, many states, local governments, and utilities are exploring how to get environmental credit for their efficiency efforts. As carbon emission regulations under the Clean Air Act (section 111(d)) are finalized, and as many areas strive for attainment (or to remain in attainment) with ozone, NOx, SO2, mercury, and particulate matter standards, energy efficiency efforts may be among the most cost-effective methods for Texas and Oklahoma to comply. But how do we increase efficiency’s role in cleaning the air? What kinds of activities will have the most impact, and how do we track them to receive appropriate credit? Texas has counted building energy codes and received credit for codes as a full control measure. What about public building efficiency efforts like Oklahoma’s 20% by 2020 legislation? The SPEER Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy recommended establishing an efficiency registry so that public building retrofits, building codes, CHP, financing programs, and even efficiency delivered in Texas’ competitive market could potentially be counted for air quality compliance. Oklahoma and Texas have both established Ozone Advance initiatives in many of their local communities which include energy efficiency; can efficiency within these plans be increased? This session will explore the opportunity to address air quality compliance with energy efficiency.

Participants in this breakout discussion include David Claridge of Texas A&M Energy Systems Lab; Heather Lerch, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality; Marianne DiMascio, Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP); and Paul Faeth, CNA’s Institute for Public Research.