The Virginia Clean Energy Future Act

THE VIRGINIA CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACT

==> Send an email to your elected official!

==> Download a copy of the bill

==> Download the Clean Energy Future Act fact sheet and action items


Clean 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.

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?

 

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.

 

 

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