The Energy Act of 2020 is a Step in the Right Direction, But More Comprehensive Climate Action is Still Needed

"The passage of these clean energy provisions is a step in the right direction," said EESI Executive Director Daniel Bresette. "Phasing out HFCs is long overdue, and it means the U.S. will finally catch up with the rest of the world on this critical issue."

"Approval of this suite of bipartisan measures like federal building energy efficiency, weatherization assistance for lower-income households, and investments in R&D is very good news at the end of a very tough year," continued Bresette. "As the saying goes, 'It can be two things': we can stop to appreciate the efforts of Congressional leaders, especially the outgoing chairwoman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, for their stick-to-it-iveness to get these provisions over the finish line; and we can recognize that we need so much more from the next Congress to achieve near-term emissions reductions and set the U.S. on course for a just and equitable transition to a decarbonized, clean energy economy."

The Energy Act of 2020 is the first major clean energy update to U.S. energy policy in over a decade.  The bill covers a range of subjects, including energy and water efficiency, solar, wind, and storage; provides incentives to spur investment and new initiatives to promote research and development; and addresses emissions from a wide range of sources from industry to federal buildings.