SUPPORT TO DOUBLE THE NATION’S ENERGY PRODUCTIVITY

WHEREAS, energy productivity means the level of economic output divided by the total
energy used to achieve it, and can be expressed as dollars of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per unit of energy consumed (in British thermal units—Btu); and

WHEREAS, when we improve our energy productivity we are able to produce more goods and services using less energy – and that can save money, increase jobs, and cut down on wasted energy; and

WHEREAS, increasing energy productivity can deliver multiple large-scale benefits to the nation, including enhanced economic competitiveness, technological innovation, greater energy reliability and security, and strengthened stewardship of our environment and natural resources; and 

WHEREAS, well over a trillion dollars in energy saving opportunities are available in the U.S., but realizing those savings will require billions of dollars in smart investment by both the government and the private sector; and  

WHEREAS, governments, businesses, and individuals will be spending trillions of dollars to modernize our nation’s infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the lack of awareness and information about energy efficiency is a major barrier to greater energy productivity for consumers, businesses and government; and

WHEREAS, analyses performed for the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy found that doubling the nation’s energy productivity would result in:

• Net annual savings to American households, businesses and government agencies of $327 billion;
  
  
• Average household savings of $1,039 per year in energy costs by 2030;
  
  
• A net increase in US employment of 1.3 million jobs in 2030;
  
  
• Savings taxpayers $13 billion per year in efficiency improvements in government buildings and vehicles;
  
  
• An increase in US economic output (GDP) by as much as 2% in 2030;
  
  
• A decrease in US carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 22% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 33% below 2005 levels by 2030;
  
  
• A reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 55% and 45%, respectively, below business-as-usual in 2030, yielding important health benefits; and
  
  
• Reduce net energy imports to 7% of US consumption by 2030, down from 19% today.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The U. S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress and the Administration to develop policies and programs and provide adequate funding that supports the goal of doubling the nation’s energy productivity by the year 2030.