RMI's Decades of Clean Energy Partnership with US Government

RMI's Decades of Impact on US Clean Energy Policy

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has played a pivotal role in shaping America's clean energy landscape, beginning with its early collaboration with the US government in the early 1980s. This partnership was initiated when the Pentagon sought RMI's expertise to develop a clean-energy strategy aimed at enhancing national security, spearheaded by the book Brittle Power: Energy Strategy for National Security by Amory and L. Hunter Lovins.

RMI's thesis in "Brittle Power" contended that the US energy infrastructure was susceptible to disruptions, advocating for a transition to clean energy solutions that are resilient, cost-effective, and efficient. This perspective was notably endorsed by Robert C. McFarlane, President Reagan's National Security Advisor, who appreciated RMI's rigorous analysis in The Wall Street Journal.

Through both Republican and Democratic administrations, RMI has maintained a nonpartisan approach, offering evidence-based insights on energy policies. Despite some setbacks due to administrative changes and funding cuts, RMI has consistently secured federal grants to propel its work in reducing energy consumption and making energy affordable, especially for low-income households. Out of the $26.4 million in federal grants since 2009, RMI received a significant portion during President Trump and Biden's terms.

Jon Creyts, RMI's CEO, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to bipartisan collaboration to achieve a sustainable energy future, emphasizing the importance of diverse energy choices. RMI's initiatives have not only saved the US government money but have also bolstered domestic manufacturing and created jobs.

Key Collaborations and Initiatives

RMI's collaborations have spanned multiple federal departments, pioneering technologies that enhance energy efficiency and resilience. For instance, RMI has worked with the General Services Administration to implement grid interactive technologies, yielding significant savings through enhanced building efficiency.

Additionally, RMI's long-standing relationship with the US military has helped revolutionize energy strategies for various branches, reducing energy usage and improving facility resilience. Federal support under Trump led to initiatives that improved energy efficiency in low-income communities, though some projects have faced delays in subsequent administrations.

RMI's initiatives have garnered bipartisan support due to their overarching benefits, from driving corporate investments to preserving natural resources. Bob Inglis, a former Republican representative, emphasized in the Tri-City Herald the durability of bipartisan solutions and their advantages for future generations.

State and Corporate Collaborations

The institute's influence extends beyond federal partnerships to state-level initiatives across political divides. Notably, significant investment in clean energy projects is directed towards Republican regions. RMI's Jacob Corvidae highlights how these collaborations are fostering economic growth and energy security.

Corporate partnerships with RMI further enable advancements in clean technologies. The institute has collaborated with companies like McDonald's for net-zero energy studies and partnered with Uber to enhance electric mobility. RMI's industry coalitions, such as the Virtual Power Plant Partnership and the Poseidon Principles for shipping, exemplify its role as a catalyst for sector-wide innovations.

RMI's expertise in climate intelligence and managing methane emissions has also provided solutions for energy companies, showcasing the institute's capacity to address industry-wide challenges with cutting-edge tools and collaborative frameworks.

With a focus on nonpartisan engagement and pragmatic solutions, RMI continues to influence energy policy and corporate practices, driving sustainable advancements across the US energy sector.