Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60

§15811 Voluntary Commitments to Reduce Industrial Energy Intensity

Title 42 › Chapter 149— NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS › Subchapter I— ENERGY EFFICIENCY › Part A— Federal Programs › § 15811

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary may make voluntary agreements with companies in energy‑intensive industries to cut how much primary energy they use for each unit of physical output. Energy intensity means the primary energy used per unit of physical output in an industrial process. The goal is to reduce energy intensity by at least 2.5% each year from 2007 through 2016. The Secretary, with other federal agencies, will create ways to recognize and publicize successes. Companies that join and try in good faith can get grants or technical help. By June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2017, the Secretary must report to Congress on how well the agreements worked and include independent checks of a sample of the reported energy savings.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §15811

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In this section, the term “energy intensity” means the primary energy consumed for each unit of physical output in an industrial process.

(b)The Secretary may enter into voluntary agreements with one or more persons in industrial sectors that consume significant quantities of primary energy for each unit of physical output to reduce the energy intensity of the production activities of the persons.

(c)Voluntary agreements under this section shall have as a goal the reduction of energy intensity by not less than 2.5 percent each year during the period of calendar years 2007 through 2016.

(d)The Secretary, in cooperation with other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop mechanisms to recognize and publicize the achievements of participants in voluntary agreements under this section.

(e)A person that enters into an agreement under this section and continues to make a good faith effort to achieve the energy efficiency goals specified in the agreement shall be eligible to receive from the Secretary a grant or technical assistance, as appropriate, to assist in the achievement of those goals.

(f)Not later than each of June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2017, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that—

(1)evaluates the success of the voluntary agreements under this section; and

(2)provides independent verification of a sample of the energy savings estimates provided by participating firms.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 15811

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60