CSP was grateful for the opportiuity to have input on language adopted in the Waxman-Markey climate bill to promote research on behavior and energy crafted by Rep Rush Holt:

(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Energy is authorized to establish a research program to identify the factors affecting consumer actions to conserve energy and make improvements in energy efficiency. Through the program the Secretary will make grants to public and private institutions of higher education to study the effects of consumer behavior on total energy use; potential energy savings from changes in consumption habits; the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through changes in energy consumption habits; increase public awareness of federal climate adaptation and mitigation programs; and the potential for alterations in consumer behavior to further American energy independence. Grants may also fund projects that evaluate or inform public knowledge of the effects of energy consumption habits on these topics.

(b) GRANTS- The purpose of the program is to provide grants to public and private institutions of higher education to carry out projects which will improve understanding of the effects of consumer behavior on energy consumption and conservation. The Secretary shall make grants on a competitive basis for-

(1) studies of the effects of consumer habits on energy consumption and conservation
(2) development of strategies that communicate the importance of energy efficiency and conservation to consumers
(3) identification of best practices to improve consumer energy use habits
(4) education programs that inform consumers about the implications of consumption habits on energy use and climate change
(5) evaluation of the effectiveness of programs designed to promote public awareness of federal government climate adaptation and mitigation activities
(6) other projects that advance the mission of the program

(c) REPORT- The Secretary of Energy shall provide Congress with a report on progress towards establishing the program within 120 days of enactment.

(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- For the purposes of this section there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the described program.