It is crucial for homeowners and businesses to make strides toward energy efficiency, not solely for their own benefit, but also because the more popular the trend becomes in the public and private sectors, the more likely it is that their politicians will also begin to move in that direction. Vermont is the latest example of this. On June 17, Governor Peter Shumlin signed three bills into law, all with the purpose of improving means to energy efficiency and access to clean energy across the state. The legislation is designed to provide new financing options through the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) to meet state energy goals and make improvements to efficiency programs for homes and businesses to take advantage of. 

"In Vermont we have led the nation with ground-breaking energy efficiency programs that help families and businesses save money while cutting carbon emissions and promoting economic development," said Governor Shumlin, speaking at the second annual Clean Energy Finance Summit at the University of Vermont. "I am proud to sign legislation that will continue our progress on energy efficiency, and create new financing programs for the residential and commercial sectors."

The new law allows VEDA to borrow a maximum of $10 million from the State Treasury to use in establishing new energy efficiency loan programs for eligible businesses. It also allocates $6.5 million from the Vermont Housing Finance Agency to provide efficiency loans for homeowners.

Another component of the legislation involves improving state building energy codes, to design larger facilities and residential developments to become more eco-friendly.

The push for energy change starts at home, though. Maryland and Virginia homeowners interested in saving money on utility costs and reducing their house's power consumption should schedule an appointment for a home inspection to analyze what energy improvements can be made to their property.