Trump’s DOE also introduces a program to cut energy and dumb things

The directive is a “significant departure” from the intent of the programs, said Sam Friesen, director of housing at Fresh Energy, a Minnesota-based environmental advocacy group. He added that the change will disrupt the waters for consumers who plan the old policies and now have to follow the new ones.

Robin Yochum, building program manager at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, a nonprofit organization based in Colorado, said he’s happy to see these programs come to fruition but worries about the limits on fuel efficiency.

“While there are many home heating systems that need to be improved, helping families transition from propane, kerosene, and natural gas to electric heating technology is one of the most transformative aspects of the original program,” he said in an email.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy said: “The Department of Energy has developed clear policies to meet regulatory requirements, ensure affordability, ensure the safety of taxpayers’ money, and empower staff to develop programs that are responsive to local conditions and public needs.”

Government programs manage the money but the government must approve the government plans before the money can be released. Many states including the District of Columbia have approved their plans, as shown May 18 update from Atlas Public Policy.

Some have already rolled back the exemptions based on the first legislation under the Biden administration. Those countries now have three months to update their programs to comply with the new directive.

South Dakota refused to participate and The Idaho Legislature has taken steps to stop participation.

Users can contact their government electricity offices to know more about the availability of the program.

Dan Gearino covers the business and policy of renewable energy and utilities, often with an emphasis on the western United States. He is the editor-in-chief of ICN’s Inside Clean Energy newsletter. He came to ICN in 2018 after spending nine years at The Columbus Dispatch, where he ran a strong business. Before that, he covered politics and business in Iowa and New Hampshire. He grew up in Warren County, Iowa, south of Des Moines, and lives in Columbus, Ohio.

This article appeared first Inside Weather News.