The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee today rejected Senate Bill 71, the “Virginia Jobs and Efficiency Act” patroned by Senator Donald McEachin. The legislation would have held utilities accountable for cutting energy waste through set efficiency standards, creating jobs in Virginia, saving families and businesses money and cutting pollution linked to global warming.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2010

RICHMOND, VA (2/8/10)-The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee today rejected Senate Bill 71, the “Virginia Jobs and Efficiency Act” patroned by Senator Donald McEachin. The legislation would have held utilities accountable for cutting energy waste through set efficiency standards, creating jobs in Virginia, saving families and businesses money and cutting pollution linked to global warming.

Senators Donald McEachin (D-Henrico), Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County) and Mark Herring (D-Leesburg) cast the three votes in favor of the legislation.

The bill would have required Virginia utilities to reduce energy consumption 12% by 2022 by investing in readily available energy-efficiency improvements. These investments would boost Virginia’s economy and create a demand for energy efficient construction, weatherizing schools and buildings, and performing energy audits on homes. According to the independent American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, SB 71 would create up to 10,000 new high-quality jobs in the state.

The bill received major public support, as did a similar bill introduced by Senator McEachin last year. Dominion Virginia Power has estimated that efficiency programs could save Virginia families $1.2 billion over 15 years.

Business and environmental groups testified in favor of SB 71 during the Commerce and Labor Committee hearing today. The Green Jobs Alliance endorsed the legislation saying that the “bottom line is energy efficiency is good business for Virginia.” Environmental groups were supportive because the legislation will help Virginia meet its energy needs without constructing, traditional coal-fired power plants.

The following groups endorsed the “Virginia Jobs and Efficiency Act”: Green Jobs Alliance, Appalachian Voices, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light, Sierra Club, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Southern Environmental Law Center, Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.

Following are statements of support from environmental community members:

Chelsea Harnish of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network: “In the midst of a recession, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee today voted to kill a proven, popular piece of legislation that would have created 10,000 jobs and saved Virginia families money. Clearly those who voted against the bill did not have the best interest of their constituents in mind.”

Tom Cormons, Virginia Director for Appalachian Voices: “This bill would have created thousands of jobs, saved consumers money, and protected Virginia’s environment. This is a frustrating loss for Virginians, but we’re going to keep fighting for clean energy and green jobs.”

Kay Slaughter, Southern Environmental Law Center: “In all my years working on legislative issues in Virginia, this is one bill that has so much to offer to so many – good jobs for people, lower electric bills for homeowners and businesses, and readily achievable standards for industry. On top of that, it helps protect our environment and our national security. It’s really a tragedy that the committee rejected it.”

Glen Besa, Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter: “Investing in energy efficiency is one on the fastest means of stimulating job growth. It is unfortunate that the General Assembly has missed this opportunity.”

Kathy Selvage of the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards: “It is a sad day. Sad for the mountains that could have remained among us, sad for the workers who would have gotten the new jobs, sad for another 300 million year old mountain that will become extinct forever.”