Summary: The Solar in Federal Buildings Demonstration Program was proposed as a major initiative to demonstrate the Federal Government's leadership in promoting conservation and the use of renewable resources in its in own buildings. However, because the Department of Energy (DOE) has not developed a comprehensive strategy or assumed its mandated leadership responsibilities, this new program is being carried out in isolation from other conservation and solar effects for Federal buildings.
DOE does not appear to be fully committed to this new program even though it represents a significant commercialization effort. Basic management and staff support functions will be performed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rather than DOE personnel. DOE has also not requested the full funding authorized by Congress nor an extension of the program to the 3-year period originally proposed by the administration in the National Energy Policy. This lack of commitment is especially serious in view of the fact that the President set a national goal for meeting 20 percent of the country's energy needs with solar and renewable resources by the end of the century. The manner in which DOE is proceeding with the development of this program will severely restrain the impact that was intended for the program in both the Federal and private sectors.
