U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

Energy Policy Act of 2005

The Energy Policy Act of 2005, was signed into law by President Bush on August 8, 2005. Subtitle A, Federal Programs, reestablishes a number of Federal agency goals and contains relevant, amended portions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA).

Section 102 extends the annual federal energy reduction goal of 2% from FY 2006 to FY 2015, and amends the reporting baseline from 1985 to 2003. It includes provisions for federal agencies to retain savings achieved through energy and water savings. DOE is charged with recommending new requirements for federal energy performance for fiscal years 2016 through 2025 by Dec. 13, 2014.

Section 103 directs federal agencies to meter electricity use in all federal buildings by Oct. 1, 2012, using advanced meters or metering devices that provide data at least daily. Within 6 months of DOE-established guidelines, agencies must submit a plan for how they will implement the metering process, including designated personnel responsible and metering devices to be employed.

Section 104 amends NECPA section 553 to direct agencies to purchase ENERGY STAR® and FEMP-designated products when procuring energy-consuming products, except when it is not cost effective or doesn't meet functional requirements of the agency. Agencies must also incorporate energy-efficient specifications in procurement bids and evaluations, and requires agencies to only purchase premium efficient electric motors, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. It also instructs GSA and DOD to clearly identify and display ENERGY STAR® and FEMP-designated products in any inventory, catalog, or product listing.

Section 105 extends energy savings performance contracts (ESPCS) under Section 801 of NECPA from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2016.

Section 109 requires new Federal buildings to be designed 30% below ASHAE standards or International Energy Code to the extent that technologies employed one life-cycle cost-effective. In addition, sustainable design principles are to be applied to new and replacement buildings. All agencies must identify new building in their budget requests and identify those that meet or exceed the standard.

Section III makes provisions for energy efficiency technologies in public and administrative buildings on Federal lands to the extent practical.

Section 203 requires that renewable electricity consumption by the Federal government can not be less than 3% in FY 2007 to FY 2009, 5% in FY 2010 to FY 2012, and 7.5% in 2013 and thereafter. It establishes double credit for renewables that are produced on the site or on Federal lands and used at a Federal facility or produced on Native American lands.

Section 204 amends subchapter VI of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code to establish a photovoltaic energy commercialization program for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic systems in public and Federal buildings. It requires the installation of 20,000 solar energy systems in Federal buildings by 2010.

Section 207 authorizes funds for a solar wall at the headquarters building of the DOE, commonly known as the Forrestal Building.

Section 1331 makes provisions for a tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot on new construction after Dec. 31, 2005 if annual energy and power costs of interior lighting systems, heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water systems are 50% or more below ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. The treasury will issue regulations to allocate the deduction to the primary designer of a Federal, State, or local government commercial property.

Section 1802 calls for the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of energy efficiency standards at the site compared to the source of energy production.

Section 1833 calls for the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that examines the potential of developing wind, solar, and ocean energy on Federal lands.