Fossil fuels were available in essentially unlimited quantities at very low costs. Americans have become more aware of the realities of energy production and consumption. Supplies of fuels are finite. Energy production and use have adverse effects upon our environment. Our population increases and our uses of energy increase.
Energy security is threatened by the supply of oil in politically insecure regions of the world.
Government has an important role to play here. Whether federal or state, public policy for energy efficiency affects us all. Unfortunately, energy efficiency policy too often gets bogged down in the murky pool of politics. For example, energy efficiency regulations proposed by President Clinton for air conditioners could reduce the projected increase in demand for electricity by one-eighth through 2020. The new Bush administration decreased the efficiency requirements shortly after taking office.