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The Executive Branch and National Energy Policy: Time for Renewal

Creating a more inclusive, balanced, resilient and enduring energy policy path requires a new structure and approach that builds on White House and Cabinet leadership and the expertise of nearly 20 federal agencies.

The track record of national-level energy policy in the United States has been mixed. On the one hand, the U.S. economy and the environment have benefited enormously from sustained gains in energy efficiency and productivity—gains that were driven at least in part by a host of state and federal programs, such as standards for appliances and equipment, building codes, labeling programs, tax incentives, and vehicle fuel economy standards.

On the other hand, energy policy in the United States has also drawn frequent criticism for lacking long-term vision, being captured by special interests, being poorly implemented and coordinated, and at times, being internally inconsistent. Important strategic objectives have not been achieved, from substantially increasing fuel diversity in the transportation sector to fully capturing all cost-effective opportunities for energy efficiency, and from developing cost-effective next-generation technologies to securing long-term environmental sustainability.

Against this backdrop of mixed results and new challenges, the case for a retooled and revitalized national energy policy is more compelling than ever. Such a policy must integrate the need for diverse and ample energy supplies with the need for economic growth, reasonable prices, environmental improvement, technological competitiveness, and long-term energy security.

Read the press release here.

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2012-11-27 00:00:00
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