Advantages of US North-west energy-conservation initiative highlighted
Investing in energy efficiency projects rather than new power production facilities can help the US states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana meet 85 per cent of their new electricity demand over the next 20 years.
That is according to the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council, which has created proposals outlining how energy-efficient products and investments such as power monitoring devices can help achieve this.
While commercial and industrial facilities could install green lighting and heating fixtures as well as put in place more efficient operations, residential consumers could have everything from efficient electronic items to water heating and insulation products.
Adopting the proposals will not only help the region cut its carbon footprint, but also create business opportunities and jobs that can boost the local economy, observed Tom Eckman, the council's manager of conservation resources.
However, members of the council reached a deadlock yesterday (August 12th) when Montana and Idaho voted against the proposal, while Washington and Oregon supported it, according to the Associated Press.
Plans to take the proposals to the public are being considered.
