Virginia Advanced Energy Economy's Executive Director Harry Godfrey makes the case that the recently passed SB966 has the potential to dramatically increase renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment, leading to new jobs across the Commonwealth. But, he says, the responsibility rests "on all of us, including elected leaders in Virginia, to hold the utilities to account and ensure they live up to the potential of this legislation."
Here is an excerpt of the piece you can read in full here.
"For entirely too long, Virginia has trailed its neighbors when it comes to advanced energy. This year, the General Assembly took an important step to change that, with legislators from Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area playing an important role.
"In March, the General Assembly passed, and Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law, SB966. This legislation has the potential to accelerate advanced energy in Virginia, saving money for customers and boosting job growth in the commonwealth. Negotiated by the governor, legislators, Virginia utilities, large energy users, and a group of environmental, clean energy and consumer advocates, this bill opens the door to significant investments in energy efficiency and clean generation.
"From our perspective, this represents a significant opportunity for advanced energy jobs while giving all Virginians an opportunity to save and benefit from an advanced energy economy. Advanced energy in Virginia means jobs and entrepreneurial innovation.
"Virginia has a long way to go when it comes to clean energy..."