Energy and Utilities Law Commons^™

Encouraging Private Investment In Energy Efficiency, Sarah Schindler

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

Combating the negative effects of climate change requires finding ways to increase energy production while reducing energy demand. Many states have programs in place to encourage home and business owners to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. Despite the clear financial and environmental benefits that result from energy efficiency upgrades, most people have not taken advantage of the programs being offered by their states. This paper begins by addressing the structure of federal and state energy efficiency programs, as well as the existing funding for those programs. It then describes key barriers that prevent energy efficiency programs from motivating …