Image Credit: maciekSz, Flickr CC

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) is a massive piece of legislation that leaves no stone unturned. It has a cap and trade provision; it provides billions of dollars for the development of clean electricity by harnessing the power of wind and sun, and it also includes funding — to the tune of $90 billion –  to support an extensive energy efficiency program.

Ironically, while much attention has focused on the bill’s cap-and-trade provision, covered here, energy efficiency is the one provision in this ACES legislation that over the long-term could have the most impact in resolving the climate change issue.

Step 1: Reduce the Need for Energy

It’s true that building wind farms across the U.S. wind corridor or massive solar power plants in the western deserts sound like attractive propositions. However, they also generate their share of issues. …read more of Blogging ACES Pt. 2 - Energy Efficiency here

In a close vote — 219-212 — the U.S. House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). Many Democrats broke party rank and voted against the legislation.

The debate now moves to the Senate, where the fate of the bill remains uncertain.

If fully enacted into law, ACES, also known as the Waxman - Markey bill, after its co-authors — Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) — could impact every corner of the American economy by deploying billions of dollars to prop up clean energy solutions.

The electric grid would be modernized and funds would be provided to make homes and offices more energy efficient. ACES, a 1,200 page document, leaves no stone unturned.

For ecomii readers, I dove right into the bill, slimmed down its wonkish language to pull out its major provisions, explain how they work and most importantly, how they could impact us. …read more of Blogging ACES - Cap and Trade here