NASEO has published the fourth in a series of Energy Efficiency Pathway Templates designed to help State Energy Offices (SEOs) as well as local officials work with state air quality regulators and others to better recognize the air quality benefits of energy efficiency (EE). The new template, developed in cooperation with the City of Boulder, Boulder County, and the Colorado Energy Office, features an example of a local-led energy efficiency program, SmartRegs—a City program to assure that existing rental residential properties meet certain minimum energy efficiency standards,
Joining example templates modeled on Illinois building energy codes, Virginia’s energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) program, and Minnesota’s Sustainable Buildings 2030 standard for new and renovated state-bonded buildings, the templates discuss energy savings and avoided emissions quantification, and how EE-derived emissions reduction can help states attain air quality objectives, such as meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Regional Haze Rule requirements, or state- and local-level greenhouse gas targets.
Completed NASEO Energy Efficiency Pathway Templates summarize key facts and features of EE programs and policies, such as goals, authorities, funding, and implementation. Their intent is to promote dialogue among SEOs, environmental agencies, and other relevant bodies to explore potential roles for EE to support air quality management, whether for broad planning purposes or formal regulatory credit.
These templates build on NASEO's work through the "3Ns" process with the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and with other associations, agencies, and stakeholders to enhance recognition of multiple EE benefits, including for air quality. SEOs can contact NASEO Senior Program Director, Rodney Sobin (rsobin@naseo.org), with questions, comments, or for assistance with the templates or broader energy-air quality topics.