December 22, 2023 | SWEEP Staff
Before we step into the promise of a new year, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) wants to take a moment to highlight some of the region’s most memorable energy efficiency and clean transportation triumphs in 2023. From successful advocacy at state legislatures and public utility commissions, to policy victories on electrifying buildings and vehicles, to critical technical assistance to local governments and state energy offices, SWEEP helped propel the Southwest region towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in 2023. A huge thank you to our partners, Allies, and supporters – none of this progress is possible alone! As we embark on an even more impactful 2024, may the spirit of the holidays and our past accomplishments together inspire continued collaboration towards an equitable and low carbon energy future. Happy holidays!
SWEEP’s expert staff chose this list as our top 10 accomplishments in 2023:
- Clean Cars II in Colorado and New Mexico
Adopted by both states this past fall, these second-generation Clean Car standards require automakers to sell an increasing volume of electric vehicles (EVs) in these states each year, culminating in 82% of market share by 2035. As the first states in the Southwest to take this bold step, Colorado and New Mexico are ushering in a new era of environmentally-friendly mobility, harnessing fast-evolving EV technologies to give consumers better vehicle choices, reduce climate emissions, and clean up our air. - Advanced Clean Trucks in Colorado and New Mexico
Striving to tackle the health-harming pollution from heavy trucks, Colorado and New Mexico also both embraced the Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Low NOx standards in 2023. These policies set forth ambitious goals for the deployment of electric and low-emission trucks, contributing significantly to the region’s advancement of clean transportation and climate emission reduction policies, particularly in historically-disadvantaged neighborhoods located along highways and freight centers. - Restoration of Arizona’s State Energy Office
With prompting from SWEEP and others, Arizona’s newly elected Governor, Katie Hobbs, restored the state’s defunct energy office, ensuring that Arizona has a dedicated entity to drive energy efficiency initiatives and secure funding to address critical energy challenges. SWEEP staff played a pivotal role in helping the newly launched Arizona’s Office of Resiliency to fund key clean energy and emission reduction projects and programs through federal grant sources. - New faces and roles at SWEEP
It’s always a highlight to welcome new talent to the SWEEP family! Christy Bolognani, our new Buildings Program Associate in Arizona, brings commercial construction expertise to SWEEP’s Building Team, while our new Nevada Representative, Caitlin Gatchalian, adds a wealth of legislative experience and connections in the policymaking arena. Plus, we promoted current staffer Nissa Erickson to be our Buildings Associate overseeing SWEEP’s work on the federal Buildings Upgrade Prize Project. We are psyched to have all of their talent and dedication on board in furthering SWEEP’s leadership in energy efficiency. - Inflation Reduction Act funding for Climate Action Planning
With support from SWEEP, all of our Southwest states secured federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to support their development of Climate Action Plans that address the unique challenges and opportunities in each state to build a resilient and low carbon future. SWEEP staff are hard at work ensuring these plans serve as robust roadmaps for reducing emissions, saving energy, and promoting clean energy solutions – and contain innovative projects that can attract the next round of transformational Inflation Reduction Act funding. - Xcel Energy’s Beneficial Electrification and Energy Efficiency targets
As a direct result of SWEEP’s advocacy, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission adopted ambitious $67.5 million building electrification goals for Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility. This investment is 21% higher than what was proposed by Xcel, and an almost twenty-fold increase from Xcel’s current spending. In addition, the Commission adopted increased gas energy efficiency goals and maintained electric energy efficiency goals near their current historic levels. - Electric vehicle progress in Clark County, Nevada
In August, Nevada’s Clark County updated its Title 30 Unified Development Code, setting standards and requiring planning for EV charging capability in new and renovated buildings. As the population center of Nevada, Clark County is helping accelerate the state’s transition to an electric transportation future that provides clean, efficient, and cost-effective mobility. - Colorado’s new Model Building Code
As directed by a policy SWEEP drafted in 2022, Colorado adopted a cutting-edge statewide building code to ensure new homes and businesses are built ready to accommodate EV charging, solar panels, and electric appliances. Whenever local communities update their building codes, they must meet or exceed these improved standards along with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, which will promote sustainable construction practices and reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. - Efficient affordable housing in Utah
With support from SWEEP and our partner Utah Clean Energy, the Utah Housing Corporation, the entity that administers federal low-income housing tax credits in Utah, greatly expanded incentives for energy efficiency and EVs in new affordable housing projects in the state. This marks a significant step towards addressing energy equity in underserved communities and providing low-income residents with utility bill savings and healthier and more comfortable homes. - Higher environmental standards for Colorado appliances
SWEEP led the charge to spur the adoption of improved environmental standards that will slash energy and water waste, reduce toxic pollution, and cut smog-forming pollution from common consumer products and household appliances in Colorado. Specifically, House Bill 23-1161 will require new gas furnaces and water heaters sold in the state to reduce NOx emissions, phase out the sale of mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs, and improve efficiency standards for a range of products, from air purifiers to gas fireplaces.
These remarkable achievements are evidence of what is possible when we work together for positive change. We hope they will inspire you to support groups like SWEEP during the end-of-year season of giving. Your support fuels our ongoing efforts, and together, we can make an even greater impact. Thank you for your support!
The post SWEEP’s top 10 wins in 2023 first appeared on Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.