Energy efficiency enthusiasts held a hybrid car parade around the Virginia State Capitol today to show state legislators the overwhelming support for a strong energy efficiency target.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2009

Chesapeake Climate Action Network            Chelsea Harnish      (804) 767-8983
Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter                       Glen Besa               (804) 225-9113
Appalachian Voices                                    Tom Cormons         (434) 293-6373
Southern Environmental Law Center             Cale Jaffe               (434) 760-0816
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards      Kathy Selvage        (276) 219-2721

Virginians Demand Action on Energy Efficiency
Citizens Drive Home Efficiency Message with Hybrid Car Parade at State Capitol

RICHMOND, March 21, 2009-Energy efficiency enthusiasts held a hybrid car parade around the Virginia State Capitol today to show state legislators the overwhelming support for a strong energy efficiency target.

“Through efficiency, we have an extraordinary opportunity to boost Virginia’s economy, lower electricity rates, and avoid the need to build costly and polluting power plants for years to come,” said Chelsea Harnish, organizer for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “It’s time to drive home the message to legislators that efficiency is the smart choice for Virginia and that now is the time to pass strong efficiency legislation.”

During the General Assembly session, which ended February 28th, legislators passed two bills aimed at increasing energy efficiency in the Commonwealth. The bills — SB 1248 and HB 2506 – will make investments in energy efficiency more profitable, which will begin to help energy efficiency compete with new generation.

The strongest efficiency bill introduced this session, McEachin’s Senate Bill 1447, lost in committee by one vote. The bill would have required utilities to implement a plan to reduce projected energy consumption 19% by 2025. Neither of the bills that passed the General Assembly contains a target.

The 19% target is the same standard recommended by the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change in December 2008.

“We can reduce our energy consumption 19% below projected levels by 2025 simply by investing in affordable and available efficiency measures,” said Glen Besa with the Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter. “The standard has been supported by the Governor, environmentalists, the grassroots, and by legislators like Senator McEachin. This is our last opportunity to make a difference on energy efficiency this year and we’re here to show support for the Governor and urge legislators to pass a strong efficiency standard.”

Governor Kaine and his staff are currently considering amendments to the energy efficiency bills. Under Virginia law, the Governor can re-insert the target as an amendment. Legislators will reconvene April 8th to vote on any bills amended by Governor Kaine.

Norm Mosher, a resident of Irvington who owns a plug-in electric hybrid capable of 100+ miles per gallon participated in the day’s parade. “My personal choice to buy a hybrid has been one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” he said. “Passing legislation with a strong efficiency target will be one of the smartest decisions the Virginia General Assembly will ever make.”

According to the independent American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Virginia ranks 45th in the country in percentage of utility revenues spent on efficiency – a total of just $84,000 statewide in 2006. In comparison, utilities in Alabama and Mississippi spent more than $400,000, and North Carolina energy providers spent $3.8 million.

“It is time that the Commonwealth stop lagging behind and recognize energy efficiency as the tool to serve our immediate energy needs without doing further damage to the planet that supports all life,” said Kathy Selvage, a strong supporter of energy efficiency who lives near a proposed coal plant in southwest Virginia. “Energy efficiency measures are good for the planet, good for Virginia, and certainly good for Virginia’s ratepayers.”

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The Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition is a growing coalition of national, regional and local organizations committed to securing a clean energy future for Virginia. Its members include the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Learn more at www.wiseenergyforvirginia.org.