Some thoughts to mark Earth Day:  As the energy experts remind us, greater efficiency is far cheaper than fuel.  In fact, energy efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest, fastest way to reduce energy consumption and energy costs.  Accordingly, my primary energy focus in Congress would be on greater energy efficiency. 

Steps in this direction have already demonstrated their effectiveness.  For example, since 1970, energy efficiency has met 75 percent of all new demand for energy services.  And in 2006, a McKinsey Global Insight study of global energy efficiency potential found that all future energy service demand growth in North America could be met through cost-effective energy efficiency investments, such as greener building technologies and more efficient vehicles.  

Of course it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the vast dimensions presented by the energy challenge.  But there’s something simple that every household can and should do.  That is, we can use fluorescent rather than incandescent bulbs.  Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs and generally last 10 times longer.  Switching one incandescent bulb to a more efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save $33 over the bulb’s lifetime.  The average home has 45 light bulbs, meaning approximately $200 savings annually if all these bulbs were switched.  If every home installed just five CFL bulbs, collectively we eliminate the need for 21 power plants.

It’s apparent that we need a national focus on greater energy conservation.  Maybe it’s not the stuff of blaring headlines, but it is a challenge facing our nation where every household can and should play a part.  Just like victory gardens furnished as much as 40 percent of the produce Americans consumed during World War II, changing light bulbs, again, something everyone can do, could result in a significant reduction in the energy consumed by American households.  That’s a powerful message for Earth Day and every day.

More again soon,

Kurt Meyer