The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA, was enacted in response to our country’s energy crisis. President Jimmy Carter signed the act into law, which consists of five statutes designed to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, while increasing domestic energy conservation and efficiency. PURPA helped to further the creation of alternative fuel sources. President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or EPAct, which stipulates five new federal standards as an update to PURPA’s section 111 (d). The EPAct contains provisions that call for energy efficiency in buildings and appliances and greater use of renewable energy, oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear resources. It also includes a more substantive view of energy research and development, as well as tax incentives. The EPAct contains five new sections which must be considered by state regulatory agencies for adoption. A regulatory agency may adopt or decline any of the new standards, or the agency may choose a different or modified approach to the new standards. Acting as the regulatory agency for Colorado Springs Utilities, the City Council of the City of Colorado Springs, must decide whether to accept or decline the new EPAct statues. | 
