A short discussion by Maria Vargas of EERE – Department of Energy that fits our Ladies Monday articles. Department of Energy Maria Vargas has been with the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) since 2011, but she’s been in the federal government for more than 30 years; previously at the Environmental Protection Agency. As a leading woman in energy, she has seen many changes in the efficiency arena and believes saving money on energy efficient buildings is just the beginning. Vargas has seen Americans (both at home and at work) become much more aware – and interested – in energy efficiency. Through the Better Buildings Initiative, …