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Secretary of Energy sees a critical role for energy efficiency

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



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This month, CNBC released a list of energy sector "Disruptors" - five energy companies that they believe "are uniquely positioned to influence the future of the energy market and climate policy.” Their list shed light on a strengthening energy sector trend toward increasing emphasis on energy efficiency.

This topic was also the focus of Dr. Ernest Moniz's first public address as the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Just four hours after being sworn in as the 13th U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Moniz took the stage at the 2013 Energy Efficiency Global Forum. In his remarks, Dr. Moniz stated that energy efficiency is a critical and necessary step in achieving long-term climate goals. Further, advancing demand-side solutions and eliminating energy waste is one of his (and the Obama Administration's) top priorities.