Energy offices sell awareness, and we sell markets. Energy offices have attracted international attention, and as you will hear, our members are doing some great things in the developing world to convey some of our methods and ideas. The EPA has been very helpful to states in supporting planning for a sound energy and environmental policy. This support has helped Vermont develop a greenhouse gas mitigation plan, and many other states have also benefitted by this assistance. These strategies do not just happen, they need nurturing.
Many states are under pressure to reduce electric rates now.
State energy offices are looking for ways to promote long term benefits, both to our economy, and to our environment. Energy offices are well-positioned to deliver key messages, to deliver targeted resources, and to follow through to achieve real efficiency gains in the U.S. economy.