New Energy Future News

Richmond, VA – The Clean Energy Works campaign, a grassroots coalition of millions of Americans urging Congress to pass a clean energy jobs plan, today releases a set of studies underscoring how comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation can renew Virginia’s economy with new clean energy jobs.  The coalition also highlighted a new poll underscoring strong public support for Congressional action.  Clean Energy Works’ members include labor, faith, conservation, veterans, youth, environmental, community groups and businesses that are committed to more clean energy jobs, less pollution and a more secure America.

“It’s time to get America running on clean energy,” said Jim Gould, Conservation Coordinator Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club.  “Clean energy jobs are already keeping thousands of Virginians working.  If Congress passes a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan we could put thousands more back to work in the commonwealth alone.”

The coalition released a package of clean energy job numbers and consumer savings created through investments in clean energy and energy efficiency.

• A study from the Pew Charitable Trusts, entitled “Clean Energy Economy,” examined the number of clean energy jobs that already exist in each state.  The study found that Virginia currently has 16,907 people employed in the clean energy economy.
• A second study from the Center for American Progress and the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst found that the clean energy jobs plan passed by the House of Representatives, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, would create 1.7 million net new jobs nationwide.  That includes 44,668 new clean energy jobs for Virginia.

“These reports show that clean energy jobs are real and they are here today, said Gould.  “Now we need the Senate to act so we can create more jobs, slash pollution and make more secure.”America

The investments made by clean energy jobs legislation will not only boost our sagging economy, they will also lead to cost savings for consumers through energy efficiency.

• In addition to providing new jobs and revitalizing our economy, a clean energy jobs plan would be of particular benefit to low-income Virginians.
•   Analysis conducted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy shows that the energy efficiency provisions included in the clean energy bill could save cut energy bills in half for most homes and businesses.

 “Low-income Virginians stand to gain tremendously – with new jobs, higher wages and lower living expenses,” said Reverend Jon Heaslet of St. John’sUnited Church of Christ in Richmond.  “Building an energy efficient economy will help all Virginians, but the ACEEE analysis shows that it will help some of those hardest hit by the economic collapse the most.”

Finally, the group pointed to strong public support for action on clean energy from recent polling conducted by Zogby International.  The findings of the poll indicated that the majority of Americans approve of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, and think now is the time for the Senate to take action for a clean energy economy.

• A new poll conducted on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation by Zogby International shows strong public support for comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation.  A supermajority of respondents, 71 percent, support the plan passed by the House in June.  The poll also underscored strong support for Senate action, with more than half of respondents agreeing that the Senate should act quickly to pass a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan.

“We need bold action to jumpstart our economy,” said J.R. Tolbert, Advocate for Environment Virginia.  “By passing clean energy jobs legislation now, the Senate can make sure we tap into the commonwealth’s abundant resources for wind, solar and other clean energy technologies.  When Congress comes back from recess, it is time for Senators Webb and Warner to get working to unleash the power of clean energy on Virginia’s economy.”

For more information:

Pew Charitable Trusts Report:  http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_detail.aspx?id=692

CAP-PERI Report: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/06/clean_energy.html

ACEEE Analysis: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e095.htm