Energy efficiency and conservation measures are lowhanging fruit in the U.S. effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wean ourselves from imported fossil energy. Some of this fruit is being picked through increasingly ambitious energy efficiency programs for motor vehicles, buildings, and appliances and equipment—the three dominant targets for federal energy efficiency programs for the last several decades. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation are working with the auto industry and other stakeholders to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new light-duty motor vehicles—to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 and as high as 62 miles per gallon by 2025. Congress has encouraged states to improve energy efficiency in new residential and commercial buildings and provided funding for low-income weatherization assistance. Congress and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have mandated efficiency standards for appliances and equipment, including refrigerators, electric lights, and industrial pumps. ...
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