President's Budget Backtracks On Energy And Climate Priorities

February 4, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.— ACEEE's initial review of the Administration's FY 2009 budget request issued today finds that the request continues to shrink funding for the energy efficiency programs that should be front-line priorities in the nation's energy and environmental agenda.

"The President's budget once again fails to propose bold responses to our nation's critical energy priorities," said Executive Director Steven Nadel. "Congress should start with a clean slate on the 2009 budget if we are to make progress on high energy prices and global warming."

The total FY 2009 request for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the Department of Energy is $1.255 billion, a 27% cut from the FY 2008 level of $1.722 billion.

The largest program cut comes from low-income weatherization funds, which are proposed to be zeroed out. "With the economic pain lower-income families are feeling, this cut is neither compassionate nor good economic policy," said Nadel. "Investing in efficiency not only makes energy bills more affordable, it also creates good jobs that will help our economy recover."

"This budget is running on empty when it comes to investing in efficiency as the first fuel in the race for energy security," added Policy Director Bill Prindle. "Reining in our energy use should be DOE's first priority, but this budget does not reflect that."

Source: ACEEE

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