Energy

BCSE works with policymakers to ensure that policies, regulations, and public programs create durable markets and drive demand for a broad portfolio of sustainable energy technologies, products, and services. This work highlights how the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy sectors work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and make the United States more globally competitive.

Key tenets of BCSE advocacy on energy policy include:

• Long-term policy certainty that parallels business cycles of investment and deployment
• Inclusive approach to technology solutions that provide a level playing field for deployment
• Use of market-based mechanisms or policies
• Consistent federal appropriations that support the research and development of the clean energy portfolio
• Embrace public-private partnership to advance the energy transition, strengthen infrastructure and resilience, and create sustainable communities

Related policy actions include:

• BCSE and CEBN Letter to Congressional Leadership on Protecting IRA and IIJA Investments in Debt Ceiling Negotiations (May 12, 2023)
• Letter to Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration on FY2024 Appropriations (House: April 18, 2023) (Senate: April 20, 2023)
• Letter to Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development on FY2024 Appropriations (House: April 18, 2023) (Senate: April 20, 2023)
• Letter to Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies on FY2024 Appropriations (House: April 18, 2023) (Senate: April 20, 2023)
• Letter to Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs on FY2024 Appropriations (House: April 12, 2023) (Senate: April 12, 2023)
• BCSE Comments on the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (February 20, 2023)
• BCSE Responds to Request for Information on Defense Production Act Authority to Accelerate Manufacturing and Deployment of Energy Technologies (November 30, 2022)

BCSE works with national leaders, including members of Congress and the executive branch officials, to share the benefits of policy mechanisms that expand markets for existing clean energy and energy efficiency technologies. This includes educational outreach and providing input into the formulation, evaluation, and implementation of energy, tax, appropriations, and other types of legislation.

At the state level, BCSE works with partners including the National Association of State Energy Officials and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on related energy, infrastructure, and climate programs.

Climate

BCSE calls for continued and increased political action to address climate change, both at home and abroad. Our coalition advocates for deploying existing technology solutions to meet emission reduction goals and enhance resilience against increasing climate impacts.

BCSE’s advocacy efforts on climate change are focused on the key policy, regulatory, and market drivers that are necessary to help deploy clean energy technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.

At the federal level, BCSE provides this input to Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other entities.

Related policy actions include:

• BCSE Letter to EPA Adiminstrator on eRINs Program (May 10, 2023)
• BCSE Submission to Greenhouse Gas Protocol Surveys on Need and Scope for Updates or Additional Guidance (March 14, 2023)
• BCSE Comments on Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2023–2025 and Other Changes (February 10, 2023)
• BCSE Congressional Letter on FY23 SFOPS Appropriations (December 8, 2022)
• BCSE Comments to Securities and Exchange Commission in Response to the Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors Proposal (June 17, 2022)
• Clean Energy Businesses Call on Congressional Leadership and President Biden to Act Quickly on Clean Energy Tax Measures (May 4, 2022)
• BCSE Recommendations for Energy and Climate Change Policy (October 1, 2020)

At the international level, BCSE is an accredited observer organization before the United Nations and participates at the convenings of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.

Learn more about BCSE’s participation at the 2022 Ministerial conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Infrastructure

To lead in the 21st century, the United States needs a modern energy system. Americans rely on reliable clean energy and the infrastructure it powers: cellular networks, pipelines, data centers, hospitals, first responders, and water and sewer treatment. Improved electric transmission and distribution infrastructure supports cleaner, more resilient, and affordable power and enables the transition to electric vehicles.

With the passage of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress and President Biden have made a significant down payment on infrastructure to secure America’s future. BCSE’s advocacy efforts now focus on how the government can optimize implementation of these programs by sharing private sector expertise and experience to advance the energy transition, deliver economic benefits, and create a sustainable, low-carbon, and resilient future in the United States.

Related policy actions include:

• BCSE Comments in Response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Proposed Rulemaking on the Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection (August 17, 2022)
• BCSE Comments in Response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Request for Information on Energy Storage Demonstration Projects (June 16, 2022)
• BCSE Comments in Response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Request for Information Regarding Establishment of a Transmission Facilitation Program (June 13, 2022)
• BCSE and FPCC Comments to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Request for Information on Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities (May 20, 2022)
• BCSE Submission to the U.S. Department of Energy Request for Information on Designing Equitable, Sustainable and Effective Revolving Loan Fund Programs (May 6, 2022)
• BCSE Comments to the U.S. Department of Energy on 2022 Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Implementation Strategy (March 21, 2022)
• BCSE Comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation on the Development of Guidance for Electric Vehicle Charging Program and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program (January 28, 2022)