Before dozens of supporters, Senator Chap Petersen unveiled the “Clean Energy Future Act,” at a press conference yesterday. The bill is a comprehensive new vision for Virginia’s energy future. It 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.

CCAN had a hand in all aspects of the bill and worked with Senator Petersen from the very beginning to make this a truly groundbreaking bill. This way, at the same time that we’re opposing Dominion’s proposed 1.6 billion dollar catastrophe (aka its new coal plant), we can also be for something. Needless to say, we are 101% behind the bill and will be working over the next couple of months to rally some serious grassroots support.

Finally, Senator Chap Petersen deserves a huge thank-you. He gets it, and is not afraid to step out in front on the crucial issues of our day. He will be introducing the bill tomorrow, the first day of the Virginia legislative session. You can find a fact sheet on the bill on our website.

Below is our press release. You can read more coverage of the bill on Raising Kaine, in the Richmond Times Dispatch and on WDBJ7.

Senator Chap Petersen unveils “Clean Energy Future Act” for Virginia

Environmental, 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 challenges we face in the 21st century. Virginia should be out front 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 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 efficiency 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.”

EXCERPTS 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