California: the energy miser?

[jpak]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003609253_california09.html

At the height of the 1973 energy crisis, Arthur Rosenfeld had a revelation.

Disturbed about having to spend half an hour in line at a gas station one Friday night, the particle physicist calculated that keeping his floor of offices brightly lit all weekend as usual would consume the equivalent of five gallons of gasoline. So Rosenfeld took what then seemed like a bold step: He turned off the lights.

For 30 years, Rosenfeld has been one of the forces guiding California on a mission of conservation. And today the state uses less energy per capita than any other state in the country, defying the international image of American energy gluttony. Since 1974, California has held its per-capita energy consumption essentially constant, while energy use per person for the United States overall has jumped 50 percent.

California has managed that feat through a mixture of mandates, regulations and high prices. The state has been able to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, keep utility companies happy and maintain economic growth. Now California is pushing further in its effort to cut automobile pollution, spur use of solar energy and cap greenhouse gases.

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[kestrel91316]

1. Those who like to diss CA should take note of this little factoid:

"...Since 1974, California has held its per-capita energy consumption essentially constant, while energy use per person for the United States overall has jumped 50 percent...."

I suspect my own personal energy use in the same period of time has DROPPED by 50%. Maybe more. It's the LIFESTYLE, stupid.

[buddysmellgood]

2. California should be encouraged, but it's far too soon to crow. Per-capita

energy use doesn't mean much when you compare homes in southern California to homes in Maine.

[w4rma]

3. California has done all this and has become the *world's* 5th largest economic power. (nt)

[bananas]

4. 30 years is too soon to crow? I don't think so.

"Since the 1973 Arab oil embargo, California, through a series of simple efficiency programs, has kept electrical consumption per capita stable for the past 30 years, while Americans nationally have increased their consumption by 50 percent over that time."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=80236&mesg_id=80266

[huskerlaw]

5. Except our energy use has been constant

Maine's apparently has not.

And I believe winter in Maine has ALWAYS been cold.

[Liberty Belle]

6. Keeping energy use constant is an accomplishment, considering

how many more electrical items the average home has today vs. 30 years ago--ie, computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, plus they are building much larger homes here than in the past. Just goes to show what a difference increased use of solar and wind power, energy-saving standards for new construction, and conservation programs can have overall.

[XemaSab]

7. Might also be increased efficiency built into appliances

I think "Energy Star" is a bit of a greenwash, but I can't imagine household items like fridges getting LESS efficient over time.