Energy efficiency is widely regarded as the least costly source of additional energy, the most immediate way to reduce carbon emissions, a crucial part of any plan to achieve climate goals and advance a clean economy. It enjoys bipartisan support.
But Congress let federal energy-efficiency tax credits lapse more than a year ago, and the industry has struggled to get attention in a dramatically distracted capitol.
"Renewable energy is always the star quarterback," said Ray Fakhoury, a principle with the clean-energy advocacy group Advanced Energy Economy. "They’re back there. They’re doing all the things that you can point to them and see them and touch them.