Environmental Law and Policy Center » Energy Efficiency

Up to 135 Gigawatts of Wasted Energy Could be Captured by US Industries

pgray — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:45:34 +0000

Heavy industries like steel, paper and cement mills vent large amounts of heat in the course of their operations – over 135 gigawatts worth of energy that is wasted. Using existing technology, that heat energy could be captured and turned into enough electricity to power millions of homes – replacing highly pollution power plants. Turning waste heat into electricity makes more money for industrial facilities while avoiding global warming pollution and making the most of our natural resources. Facilities like the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Indiana have installed combined heat and power equipment that generates as much electricity as a 200 megawatt coal plant without burning any fossil fuels. Combined heat and power advocates believe this process could supply up to 20% of our nation’s energy needs.

Help Us Celebrate ELPC’s New Office on September 14 & 15!

jgeiger — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:34:03 +0000

Help Us Celebrate ELPC’s New Green Office on September 14th & 15th!

ELPC has just moved into a new, state-of-the-art green office. At every stage of the process, we have taken steps to maximize efficiency, minimize waste and create a safe, healthy work environment. Click here to read more about our green office. Please join us on September 14^th and 15^th for our green office opening events! RSVP here.

Iowa Appliance Rebate Program Generates Overwhelming Response

pgray — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:02:30 +0000

Tens of thousands of Iowa residents jammed phone lines and crashed the web site of a state program offering rebates on energy efficient appliances. The program made roughly $2.8 million available for rebates. State officials last week predicted the funds would take at least two weeks to parcel out, but all of the rebates were claimed in less than eight hours.

Officials with Iowa’s Office of Energy Independence credited “Iowa’s spirited and proactive response to energy efficiency” for the unexpected interest.

ELPC Commends EPA on Endangerment Finding

elpc — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:09:03 +0000

“We commend US EPA Administrator Jackson and the Obama Administration for today’s endangerment finding. Sound science makes it clear that greenhouse gas pollution is endangering our public health.

“We now call for the EPA to implement strong and fair standards that will reduce global warming pollution if Congress does not step up with legislation. Implementing effective global warming solutions, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy development and high-speed rail development can create job growth, spur economic development, and help to solve our global warming problems.”

- Statement from Howard Learner, Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

ELPC’s Howard Learner on E&E TV

jgeiger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:48:51 +0000

Watch E&E TV: Howard Learner Explains Midwest Role on Climate Change Solutions

ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner discussed the Midwest role in the climate debate on E&E TV’s On Point. The Midwest has the potential to be a big part of the solution and through its key swing votes, is playing a critical role in the Senate debate. Watch the interview here.

Students Take Action to Fight Climate Change

jgeiger — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:16 +0000

Students Take Action to Fight Climate Change!

ELPC is teaming up with the Illinois Student Environmental Coalition to help mobilize student environmental groups from college campuses across the state. Each group has committed to collecting signatures from 5% of their student body in support of strong federal climate legislation.

This will result in thousands of youth voices calling on U.S. leaders to pass comprehensive climate change legislation and commit our nation to a true position of leadership in the fight against global warming.

Add your voice – call for America to take action on climate change today!

ELPC Receives President’s Award From American Institute of Architects Illinois

pgray — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:41:22 +0000

ELPC was honored to receive the President’s Award from the American Institute of Architects Illinois for extraordinary achievements in advancing livable communities.

The Award recognizes ELPC’s work to promote smart growth and energy efficiency, in particular our years of leadership and advocacy to establish Energy Efficient Building Codes for residential and commercial buildings in Illinois.

A U.S. Department of Energy study estimated that Illinois’ Residential Energy Efficient Building Code will result in at least 15% savings annually on utility bills and will average homeowner more than $240 per year.

Interactive Tool Helps Consumers Find Ways To Lower Utility Bills and Save Energy

pgray — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:55:29 +0000

Energy Star helps save consumers money and protect the environment by using energy more efficiently. Energy Star at Home is an interactive tool that can help you find easy ways to lower your bills and make your home more comfortable.

Strong Energy and Climate Legislation Will Boost Farm Income and Reduce Risk of Global Warming

jgeiger — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:08:55 +0000

The following is a statement by Howard Learner, ELPC’s executive director, following the hearing today of the Senate Ag Committee on how climate legislation affects agriculture.

We agree with the USDA’s recent study showing that actions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution can produce long-term gains for farmers. It’s time for strong energy and climate legislation that will boost farm income and reduce the risk of global warming.

The costs of inaction are high—farmers and agricultural industries are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and pests that will result from unchecked climate change. Federal climate solutions and clean energy legislation can help farmers and foresters tap into growing markets in carbon offsets, renewable energy generation, advanced biofuels and energy efficiency savings.

The USDA study, among others, shows that minimal short-term costs to farmers will soon be outpaced by significant long-term gains in income, job creation, and other rural development opportunities.

With a strong climate bill, including new investments in farm-based energy and conservation, the agricultural community can help lead efforts to protect and improve our health and environment while fueling our clean energy economy.

House Passes Historic Global Warming Solutions Bill!

jgeiger — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:11:19 +0000

Great news! Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic global warming solutions legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (219-212). This was no easy victory – it was achieved in part through constituents’ many letters and phone calls asking legislators to vote “Yes” on the Waxman-Markey Bill. ELPC and our many partners are now turning our strategic attention to the Senate.

Read Grist story quoting ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner on the passage of the bill. “Today’s vote creates momentum for our country to reduce global warming pollution and advance clean energy solutions,” said Howard A. Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “We appreciate the Midwest and Great Plains legislators who stood up for the future and voted in favor of this vital legislation.”