Richmond, Va., May 16, 2017 — In response to Governor McAuliffe’s announcement to initiate a regulatory process that will lead to grid modernization and accelerate the transition to a more secure, clean, and affordable grid, J.R. Tolbert, vice president of state policy for business group Advanced Energy Economy, released the following statement:
"Today’s announcement from Governor McAuliffe is another positive step toward the goal of fully capitalizing on the benefits of advanced energy in Virginia. We applaud the Governor for taking actions better position the Commonwealth to take advantage of the economic benefits that come with a cleaner and more diverse energy portfolio.
“To achieve long-term change in the Virginia energy market, we must reduce numerous regulatory barriers to accessing advanced energy for consumers and businesses. With mixed signals coming from the other side of the Potomac, it is critical that Virginia develop its own long-term energy strategy that reduces energy waste, deploys innovative technologies, and modernizes our electricity system.
“Today’s announcement reflects a year-long stakeholder effort by Governor McAuliffe and Secretary of Natural Resources Ward to move Virginia toward an electricity system that is more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. We applaud this process. Investment in advanced energy literally means thousands of jobs for Virginians, and business leaders stand with the Governor as he seeks to make advanced energy a critical driver of the New Virginia Economy."
AEE Involvement in Executive Order 57
About AEE and AEE Institute
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. As a 501(c)(6), AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable the rapid growth of advanced energy companies. AEE and its State and Regional Partner organizations are active in 27 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 companies and organizations in the advanced energy industry. The Advanced Energy Economy Institute is an affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and charitable organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the public benefits and opportunities of advanced energy.