The High Economic Cost of Virginia's Clean Energy Inaction

Why does Virginia's inaction on clean energy get me so riled up? Because of articles like this detailing how in states with renewable portfolio standards the wind industry can't train new workers fast enough:

The American Wind Energy Association, a Washington, D.C-based trade group, estimates the industry employs about 20,000 people, not including those making turbines or other equipment. [...]

At Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, Ore., seven wind companies are working with the school as academic advisers. Several of the companies are also supporting the college financially, including a three-year $150,000 grant from PPM Energy and donated equipment from Arlington, Va.-based wind developer AES Corp.

"They are all just crammed to the gills with students," said Jeremy Norton, operations, maintenance and training manager for PPM Energy.

So why is a company based in Virginia sending six figures in grant money all the way out to Oregon? Because Oregon has set a state renewable portfolio standard of 25% by 2025, establishing a guaranteed demand and providing investors with market certainty. Virginia currently only has a voluntary goal of 12% by 2022, established as part of last year's Dominion re-regulation legislation.

That's why it's so critical on Monday afternoon for the Virginia Senate's Commerce and Labor Committee to pass the Clean Energy Future Act (SB446), which would establish both a 20% RPS and funding for green collar job training. Please email your legislator right now to ask them to support the Clean Energy Future Act, especially if your senator is on the committee.

As for the coal industry, there's a need for new workers there, as well. Why? According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1,500 miners die each year from black lung disease.

Cross-posted from Raising Kaine

Monday: 2008's Best Chance to Help Virginia's Environment

Putting on my movie announcer voice -- if you only do one thing to help Virginia's environment this year ... make it this one:

Clean Energy Lobby Day

On Monday, January 21, 2008 join us for a environmental lobby day of massive proportions.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is teaming up with the Virginia Conservation Network and the Garden Club for one unified action to bring a message of clean energy and sustainability to the Virginia General Assembly. CCAN will be fighting for the "CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACT," which has been introduced by Senator Chap Petersen.

Clean Energy Lobby Day is a chance to:

+ Speak to your legislator face-to-face. Tell your legislator in person that clean energy is a priority to you.
+ Network with other activists
+ Learn more about the legislative process and how you can help throughout the legislative session.

Details

+ When: January 21st, Martin Luther King Day. Registration starts at 8:30 (alternative registration at 11:45 if you only have afternoon lobby visits)
+ Where: Centenary United Methodist Church , 411 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
+ WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT? After your register, you will receive an email with details on how to set up your lobby visits and maximize your impact during session.

Face-to-face contact is far and away the most effective form of lobbying, better than five phone calls or a dozen emails. And lobbying as part of a group can exponentially magnify your power to move legislators. That's why this is will likely be the single most effective thing you can do this year to move the Virginia General Assembly.

The Green Miles will be getting up at the crack of dawn on Monday (still hungover from the Patriots' big win over the Chargers on Sunday) to make the drive down to Richmond. If you live in Arlington/ Alexandria/Falls Church and want to carpool down, email me!

Now That's Progress: Chap Peterson's Clean Energy Future Act

UPDATE: Details of Chap's plan are now up at Raising Kaine

Monday morning at 10am in Richmond, Chap Peterson will reveal the details of his Clean Energy Future Act:

Senator Chap Petersen to unveil new Clean Energy Plan for Virginia

Environmental, faith, and student allies pledge support for the "Clean Energy Future Act"

RICHMOND, VA - At 10:00am on Monday, Senator-elect Chap Petersen will join allies and advocates to unveil his new initiative, the "Clean Energy Future Act". This bold initiative will re-direct Virginia's energy policies towards a sustainable future, setting long term goals for investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as special incentives for in-state generation and manufacturing.

Despite its extreme vulnerability to global warming, Virginia is currently far behind the curve on efficiency and conservation. The Commonwealth currently ranks last among all 50 states in investment in energy efficiency, and lacks any binding renewable energy standards. The Clean Energy Future Act would shift the direction of Virginia's energy policy to clean renewable energy.

From what I've heard, Chap's plan would represent not only huge environmental progress, but take the first steps towards preparing Virginia's economy for our low carbon future. Renewable energy and green jobs are critical components that will go hand in with Gov. Tim Kaine's energy plan, which would make efficiency a priority for state government. Let's hope it gets a fair hearing in Richmond!