A New System of Energy Intensity Indicators for the U.S. Economy Focus on Manufacturing

Abstract

The U.S. commitment to energy efficiency and conservation policy was emphasized in the National Energy Policy (NEP) made public in May 2001. Recommendation 14 in Chapter 4 of the NEP - "Making Energy Efficiency a National Priority" -recommended that "...the President direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a national priority for improving energy efficiency. The priority would be to improve the energy intensity of the U.S. economy, as measured by the amount of energy required for each dollar of economic productivity. This increased efficiency should be pursued through the combined efforts of industry, consumers, and federal, state, and local governments." As part of the effort to make energy efficiency a national priority, the Department of Energy has developed improved national indicators of energy intensity.