Abstract |
State governments can achieve substantial energy cost savings across their facilities, operations, and fleets through clean energy Lead by Example (LBE) programs. They can also demonstrate energy and environmental leadership, raise public awareness of the benefits of clean energy technologies, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy supply and reliability, and foster markets for environmentally preferable products. The LBE Guide provides information to assist state governments as they develop and implement effective LBE programs to achieve their clean energy goals. It presents strategies, resources, and tools state decision makers can use throughout the process. EPA and other organizations recognize leading by example as a key policy option for states seeking to achieve their clean energy goals. For example, the importance of LBE programs is documented in the the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Vision for 2025 report. The Vision identifies LBE as a critical component of achieving the long-term goal of all cost-effective energy efficiency by 2025. Goal Six of the Visions ten implementation goals is to develop state policies such as LBE for pursuing robust energy efficiency practices. |