More than 60 energy, environmental and state policy leaders from across the country gathered together to produce the updated National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The action plan includes strategies to help cut the growth in energy demand across the country by more than 50 percent and outlines ways to save more than $500 billion in net savings over the next 20 years. These actions also may help reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles.

“The significant action taken by states, utilities and energy customers advances low-cost energy solutions,” said Robert Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “The plan is a big step toward a more energy-efficient future, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing the American economy.”

“These leaders from state government and the private sector should be commended for their continued progress in promoting energy-efficient technologies as a key part of modernizing our electric and gas infrastructure to meet our nation’s growing energy needs,” said U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Kevin Kolevar.

Two technical assistance documents are available to help states achieve the energy goals established under the action plan. The first document provides guidance on establishing cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency programs, while the second outlines best practices for providing business customers with energy-use and cost data.

The documents and the action plan are available at: http://www.epa.gov/eeactionplan.