WASHINGTON, DC — The Alliance to Save Energy has commended President George W. Bush on his fiscal year 2003 budget relating to energy efficiency. The proposed Department of Energy (DOE) budget for energy efficiency will remain relatively flat at $904.3 million. Funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Energy Star program will also remain basically flat.

“Normally, a flat budget for energy efficiency is nothing to write home about,” David M. Nemtzow, president of the Alliance, explained. “But we must look at the fact that last year's budget called for 30 percent cuts in energy efficiency R&D. And with many important federal programs slated for deep cuts in fiscal year 2003, this budget represents significant progress in recognizing the value of energy-efficiency programs.”

Nemtzow tempered his praise for the administration by reiterating the need to increase energy-efficiency funding in the building sector, particularly in light of the budget's 12% decrease for building research and development.