Among the energy-saving options, two promising technology switches are the electrification of transportation (electric vehicles can be about four times as energy-efficient as standard fossil-fuel vehicles) and the use of electric-powered heat pumps to deliver winter heating and hot water (heat pumps can be four times as energy-efficient as standard heaters).

CNN: Commentary: Let's get real about alternative energy

Mr. Donohue has worked for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for three years and was awarded a commendation earlier this year for saving a life, according to transit spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

WSJ: A Young Officer Shot Dead and Another Critically Hurt

The Department of Transportation took a hard look and recently eliminated over 32 million annual forms, thus saving tens of millions of dollars in costs annually while also eliminating 1.6 million hours that truck drivers spend on administrative work each year.

WHITEHOUSE: A Smarter Approach to Regulation