This is fantastic, a potentially tremendous step forward in Virginia for protecting the environment. Also, with the introduction of this bill, Chap Petersen proves once again why he's such a great leader who inspires such a passionate following by the grassroots/netroots. The guy flat-out "gets it," and he's not afraid to step out in front on the crucial issues of our day. Something tells me Chap Petersen has a very bright future ahead of him. (Attorney General Petersen? Governor Petersen? Just a couple of thoughts...). Meanwhile, let's get this "Clean Energy Future Act" passed and start turning Virginia into what Chap calls a "Cool Commonwealth." Great job.
UPDATE: Please contact your legislator and tell them to support this!
Senator Chap Petersen unveils "Clean Energy Future Act" for VirginiaEnvironmental, faith, and student allies pledge support for the bold initiative
RICHMOND, VA - Before dozens of supporters, Senator Chap Petersen unveiled the "Clean Energy Future Act," a comprehensive new vision for Virginia's energy future. The bill comes amidst growing concern over Virginia's current energy path, and just weeks after Governor Kaine announced the formation of the Virginia Climate Commission. Faith, student and environmental leaders joined together to welcome this bold new vision for Virginia.
""I am excited to carry this legislation. Climate change and its impact on our environment are perhaps the greatest challenge we face in the 21st century. We need to be leaders in Virginia in reducing carbon output and promoting alternative energy. We cannot wait for the Feds and we shouldn't wait for our localities. We need a 'Cool Commonwealth' to call home. I hope that the Act will be a first step in that regard," said Senator-elect Chap Petersen.
Josh Tulkin, Deputy Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, pledged the support of his organization and their 6000 Virginia members. "It's time for us to get serious about clean energy in Virginia, or this great opportunity is going to pass us by. Clean energy technology is good for the economy, it's good for the environment and it's good for the climate. The Clean Energy Future Act is a win-win policy."The Clean Energy Future Act sets long term goals for investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as special incentives for in-state generation and manufacturing. Many components of CEFA are consistent with recommendations outlined in Governor Kaine's "Virginia Energy Plan" which was released last year.
Virginia is currently far behind the curve on efficiency and conservation. The Commonwealth is tied for last among all 50 states in terms of investment in energy efficiency1 and lacks any binding renewable energy standards. Furthermore, our current energy industries are struggling with diminishing resources. A recent Department of Energy report found that Virginia coal yields were down 6% this year.
The Clean Energy Future Act drew support from a diverse set of allies. Kathy Selvage, Vice President of the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards based in Wise County, emphasized that new clean technology is desperately needed in Southwest Virginia, where unemployment has grown as the coal industry has diminished.
"As a resident of Wise County, I know that we need new jobs and new investment in clean energy to build a strong economy for our region. Don't doubt for a second that we can help the environment and help the economy as well! I think this bill does just that" said Kathy Selvage.
Reverend Doug Smith of the Virginia Interfaith Center emphasized that environmental issues are an increasing concern for people of faith. "The faith community has a deep appreciation for the work that Senator Petersen is doing. Protecting God's creation should be a priority we all share for the good of our communities and the future of our families."
The issue of climate change has found a strong audience among youth in Virginia. Representatives from the Virginia Climate Action Network (VACAN) - the statewide network of 15 colleges and universities -- gathered at the press conference to show their support for green initiatives from legislators. Hilary Lufkin, a senior at Mary Washington University, spoke on behalf of VACAN.
"It is our future that is in jeopardy because of global warming. We are the voters of today and the leaders of tomorrow and we are united to make a clean energy future a reality for Virginia."
EXCERTS FROM GOVERNOR'S ENERGY PLAN
*"Calculations based on studies in other states show that Virginia, with a concerted investment in energy efficiency and conservation activities, has an achievable cost effective electric reduction potential of 14% over the next 10 years." - page 7
*"Legislation enacted in 2007 set a goal to reduce 2022 electric use by 10 percent of 2006 retail consumption through conservation and efficiency." - page 7
*"Developers of convention electric generation capacity that would serve and be paid for by Virginia electric customers should be required to show, as part of an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, that the conventional generation is needed after all cost-effective energy-efficiency and conservation actions have been implemented, and that the convention generation is less expensive than new renewable generation capacity." - page 19
*What does climate change mean for Virginia? Over the long term, climate change will affect Virginia's population, wildlife, and economy. Te Virginia Institute for Marine Science estimates that Mid-Atlantic sea level will rise between 4 and 12 inches by 2030, threatening coastal islands and low-lying areas. Air and sea temperature could cause more frequent tropical storms, with increased damage to Virginia communities. Chesapeake Bay is particularly susceptible to damage caused by climate change. Changing rain and temperature patterns would disrupt agriculture and forestry. - page 24
*"Decisions on how Virginia will meet its future energy needs should be based on both costs of the energy sources and the need to protect ecosystems, natural resources, and the health and well-being of citizens, including economically disadvantaged and minority communities." - page 25
THE VIRGINIA CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACTClean Energy can be a growth industry for Virginia, providing much needed jobs and new local revenue sources. With vast natural resources and strong research institutions, we have the capacity to become a leader in clean energy research and generation.
Because it is not dependent on the constant flux of coal and oil prices, clean energy can help stabilize electricity prices, keep more money in-state, and avoid costly environmental regulation.
Furthermore, clean energy emits little to no carbon pollution, soot, smog, or nitrogen.
Virginia has the opportunity to become a leader in clean energy technology and a champion in the fight against global warming. But the transition to clean energy will require investment and smart policy.
Virginia is behind the curve in the growing field of clean energy technology and renewable energy development. Our current energy industries are struggling with diminishing resources, yet we offer no funding for energy efficiency and very few incentives to bring clean energy industries into Virginia.
Less than 2% of electricity in Virginia comes from renewable energy. And what's more, Virginia currently ranks last in state investment in energy efficiency. Virginia is one the fastest growing polluters in the US. CO2 emissions in Virginia rose a staggering 34% between 1990 and 2004, a rate nearly twice the national average.THE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACT WILL...
*Create a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to ensure that we get 20% of our power from renewable energy by 2020. Currently, Virginia only gets 2% of our energy from renewable energy. 23 other states have enacted these standards, including Maryland, Texas, and Florida.*Reduce energy usage 10% by 2020. Virginia currently tied for the least investment in energy efficiency and conservation nationally. Reducing electricity usage will save power and save money.
*Create a "Sustainable Energy Fund" to support new clean energy and efficiency research and development. This fund will distribute money to our leading research institutions, capitalizing on Virginia's great academic resources to develop new clean technologies and make Virginia a leader in R&D.
*Create production clean energy tax-credits and other incentives to encourage in-state clean energy development. To attract clean energy industries, this bill specifically incentivizes power generation build with Virginia parts, and gives extra credits for the development of wind power and solar power in state.
*Direct the Secretary of Commerce to develop a Green Jobs Training Program. Incorporation of green technology training programs into our existing workforce programs will ensure that Virginians who need the jobs most will be well-trained and capable as we transition to clean energy technologies.
Virginia can be part of the solution by providing clean energy, which not only protects our natural resources, but preserves people's health and safety and ensures a prosperous future. Isn't it time we do our part, for the planet, for the economy, for the Commonwealth?