Written By: Katie Vrabel
In case you missed it, there was an election last month. While energy efficiency may not rise to the top in terms of “hot button” issues, elected officials can have a significant impact on energy efficiency progression within state, either as it relates to program funding, building code adoption, or other key areas. Our friends at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) hosted a webinar earlier this month to review the legislative changes and the potential impacts.
Here are some of our key takeaways:
Sustainability and energy efficiency did make the cut….in some races.
‒ Illinois Governor-elect JB Pritzker ran on a 100% renewable energy campaign pledge and supports increased EE investment
‒ Michigan Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer’s platform included environmental justice and economic development
‒ Minnesota Governor-elect Tim Walz also supports EE and renewables as they save communities (urban and rural) businesses money
‒ Wisconsin Governor-elect Tony Evers campaign included a focus on clean energy
Natural gas may have its moment in the spotlight.
‒ Illinois plans to invest in natural gas EE via Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA)
‒ “All of the above” energy strategies in Ohio and South Dakota may provide additional support
Great progress, but there’s still some ways to go. As we move into the future, an ongoing focus on education and promotion of energy efficiency benefits will help continue to move the needle. Want to learn more about energy efficiency benefits? Check out some of our blog posts here, here, oh and here.
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