Augusta Free Press covered AEE's reaction to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's Executive Order to have 100% Clean Energy by 2050 by including quotes from AEE's Harry Godfrey. Read excerpts below and the entire Augusta Free Press story here. AEE's statement was also covered by Smart Grid Today (sub. req.). 

Virginia Advanced Energy Economy reacted today to Gov. Ralph Northam’s Executive Order calling for the Commonwealth to use 100% clean energy to meet its electric power needs by 2050. The governor’s plan includes more immediate goals focused on the deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and battery storage over the next decade.

“We applaud the governor for setting clear goals and driving Virginia’s transition to 100% clean energy,” said Harry Godfrey, Executive Director of Virginia AEE. “We are confident that, using an array of advanced energy technologies, we can readily meet the Governor’s goal while helping to save money for Virginia families and businesses and grow our economy.”

The Governor’s Executive Order also focused on workforce development, calling for development of a plan to help more Virginians move into the advanced energy industry. “More than 100,000 workers across the Commonwealth are already employed by the advanced energy industry in Virginia, and companies expect to add 7% more jobs this year alone,” noted Godfrey. “We welcome the Administration’s focus on moving more Virginia’s into this growing sector, creating new prosperity and a diversified economy across the Commonwealth.”

Over the past several years, Virginia AEE has worked alongside lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to help accelerate the growth of Virginia’s advanced energy economy. The Governor’s Executive Order marks the next step, but challenges remain. “Advanced energy technologies, from wind and solar to energy efficiency, battery storage, and demand response, are ready to go. They can compete with conventional energy resources today,” said Godfrey. “But to drive investment and achieve these goals, the Governor and other policymakers in Richmond need to continue to lower barriers to entry and create greater market certainty.”

Read the entire Augusta Free Press story here. Also view related coverage from Smart Grid Today (sub. req.). here.