Advanced Energy Perspectives

With another year coming to a close, it is time to take a look in the rearview mirror at the year that was for the advanced energy industry. Our annual review of the top state legislative issues tells a story of policy progress for a myriad of advanced energy technologies, along with some familiar struggles. So, without further ado, here’s our countdown of the top five legislative battles of 2017.

On Nov. 9, Advanced Energy Economy Institute hosted California gubernatorial hopeful Antonio Villaraigosa for an engaging roundtable with AEE member companies in San Francisco. Coming fresh off a speaking appearance at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator the day before, Villaraigosa was energized, and spoke about the opportunity and need to expand advanced energy business growth in all parts of the state. 

The roundtable was the second in a series of meetings with all the leading candidates for governor over the next few months. Through these roundtables, we hope to learn more about each candidate's vision for the state, and we hope they will learn more about the advanced energy industry growing in California.

On Sept. 22, AEE hosted a California Gubernatorial Roundtable featuring Treasurer John Chiang. Treasurer Chiang joined AEE staff and our member companies for a lively session focused on the state’s leadership in advanced energy and how the industry is expanding economic development opportunity throughout the state. The roundtable was the first in a series of meetings with all the leading candidates for governor over the next few months. Through these roundtables, we hope to learn more about the candidates’ visions for the state, and we hope they will learn more about the advanced energy industry growing in California.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 16, the California legislature’s 2017 session came to a close. It was a jam-packed year, full of debate, negotiations, and deal making. The legislature took on a number of big ticket issues this year, including cap and trade, transportation, and housing. While the cap and trade extension was secured in early summer, a host of other measures important to AEE on energy storage, advanced transportation, and PACE financing cleared the legislature at the tail end of session. They were sent to Gov. Brown’s desk, with the expectation that all would gain his signature. That leaves us with much to wrap up about what got done this year – and what remains to be done next year.

Apex Clean Energy, a company headquartered in Charlottesville, is in the planning stages of its first Virginia wind farm.

Over the past four years, Virginians have seen the advanced energy industry grow, as it became a key priority for the McAuliffe Administration. The solar market grew from 18 MW installed in the Commonwealth in 2013 to over 200 MW today, with hundreds more on the way. Gov. McAuliffe also took executive and legislative action to improve the market for energy efficiency, and began regulatory initiatives to modernize the state’s grid with investment in advanced energy technologies. However, with Gov. McAuliffe’s term coming to an end and Election Day fewer than eight weeks away, voters (and the advanced energy industry) are asking how the next governor of Virginia will act on energy issues. Happily, both the Republican nominee – Ed Gillespie – and Democratic nominee – Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam – have announced policies to grow the advanced energy industry, shining a hopeful light in Virginia for what to expect for the next four years.