What role should the government have in promoting energy efficiency?
As a candidate for U.S. Congress, I will have to swear an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, if I am elected. The Tenth Amendment says “powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” The Federal government has no Constitution authority to “promote energy efficiency” and futile attempts usually amount to subsidizing one energy source and prohibiting another and other unnecessary meddling that harms energy production and conservation. If you want energy efficiency, repeal the prohibition on renewable energy sources like hemp, which can be used to make ethanol, and stop subsidies for oil companies and other corporate welfare recipients. Private citizens, coordinated by the free market, will better handle energy efficiency.
