Transcript Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA

Powering the Future
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA
• SB 1416 “Reregulation” (2007)
-12% Voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Goal by 2022
• The Virginia Energy Plan (2007)
-20% Goal of Increased In-State Energy Production Through Renewable
Sources
• The Tobacco Commission Energy Research Grants (2008)
-Grant to Clean Energy Business Incubator Center, S. Boston
-Grant to Sustainable Energy Technology Center, Danville
• The Virginia Energy Legislative Commission (2008)
-Strong Endorsement of Biofuels
Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA,
cont’d
• RENEW Virginia (Governor Kaine’s Initiative, 2008)
“In today’s economy, we can turn our energy challenges into an
opportunity,” Governor Kaine said. “Our goal is to position the
Commonwealth as a leader in alternative energy generation,
energy conservation, and research and development. By
developing a green energy industry here, we will not only move
towards a more environmentally responsible approach to
addressing our growing energy needs, but we will also help
stimulate Virginia’s economy.”
• The Governor’s Commission on Climate Change (2008)
-13 Recommendations Related to Alternative & Renewable
Energy (Included in your packet of info)
Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA,
cont’d
Governor Kaine’s Presentation to the Money Committees (Today)
-$1 Million Individual Income Tax Credit Fund for Solar and Wind Units
-$1 Million Corporate Income Tax Credit Fund for Solar & Wind
-Sales Tax Exemption For Residential Solar and Wind Purchases
Secretary Of Natural Resources, Preston Bryant’s RTD Op-Ed (Today)
Looking Ahead to 2009 in the Virginia General Assembly
• General Assembly Session Convenes January 14
-Governor Kaine’s “Year of the Environment/RENEW Virginia
Year”
-Legislation filed dealing with energy & environmental issues
(Gov. Kaine’s Legislative Agenda, Sen. Whipple, Sen. Wagner,
Del. Hogan, etc.)
-Massive Budget Shortfall: $2.8B-$3.5B
Looking Ahead to 2009 with President Obama & Congress
• Economic Stimulus Package/Green Jobs
• Energy Czar Carol Browner to coordinate renewable policy
from the White House
• Senator-Elect Mark Warner & Congressman Eric Cantor will
likely take point in the VA Congressional Delegation on
renewable energy issues
• Federal RPS Goal:
-President Obama: 10% by 2012 & 25% by 2025
-Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chair, Jeff Bingaman
15% by 2020
• Tax Credits Extension/Expansion
The Need to Speak with a Unified Voice
• Silo Approach vs. Broad Industry Approach
• With Scarce Resources, Plan Strategically
• Constant Visibility is Essential
Mission Statement
The Virginia Alternative and Renewable Energy Association
(VA-AREA) promotes the development, commercialization
and use of alternative and renewable energy to foster
business and legislative climates where renewable and
alternative forms of energy are utilized to meet the
Commonwealth’s growing energy demands while improving
its economy, environment and sustainability.
Goals & Objectives
• Serve as a unified voice and organization representing the
alternative and renewable energy producers, partners and
industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Promote alternative and renewable energy development,
commercialization and use in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Foster a business and legislative climate where alternative
and renewable energy including hydroelectric, wind, solar,
bio mass, bio fuels, tidal/current, geothermal, waste and
hydrogen contribute to the economy through investments and
job creation.
Goals & Objectives, cont’d
• Enhance the well-being and sustainability of Virginia's
environment and valuable natural resources.
• Provide education, advice and support for policy makers,
citizens and relevant state entities including the General
Assembly, State Corporation Commission and Department of
Environmental Quality, among others.
• Serve as a forum for members to share innovation, identify
common objectives and discuss differences in policy.
Goals & Objectives, cont’d
• Develop positive relationships with key policy and decision
makers and initiate a collaborative, coordinated approach to
achieve alternative and renewable energy policies and
industry objectives that generate a favorable business
climate and foster growth.
• Encourage the establishment of strategic partnerships
between the alternative and renewable energy industry, the
Commonwealth of Virginia and its institutions of higher
learning to promote research and development.
• Highlight the economic benefits, job and investment
opportunities that the renewable and alternative energy
industry contributes to Virginia.
Goals & Objectives, cont’d
• Identify barriers to the development and commercialization
of alternative and renewable forms of energy in Virginia and
develop solutions to address these challenges.
• Evaluate the progress of current voluntary Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and invoke free-market
competition to increase Virginia's voluntary RPS objectives.
• Monitor proposed legislation and regulations pertinent to the
renewable and alternative energy industry, advocating for or
against when necessary.
Goals & Objectives, cont’d
• Assist the Commonwealth in meeting the goals pertaining to
renewable and alternative forms of energy as set forth by the
Virginia Energy Plan and the Governor’s Commission on
Climate Change.
• Work with Virginia's Congressional delegation to advance
federal pro-growth policy recognizing that the federal
government will play a vital role in the next decade as it
explores opportunities to achieve energy independence.
Benefits of Membership
• Representation of the industry before Virginia’s top policy
makers and elected officials
• Weekly news clip summary with timely news and in-depth
reports on emerging trends, developments and the status of
public policy initiatives that advance the renewable and
alternative energy industry
• Grassroots activity aimed at influencing legislators and
making the industry’s voice heard
• Talking points and background information useful for
educating legislators and policy makers
Benefits of Membership, cont’d
• Quarterly newsletter
• Access to members only Web site (under development)
• Free copy of the membership directory
• Company’s listing in the membership directory and online
• Invitation to the Virginia Alternative and Renewable Energy
Association (VA-AREA) annual conference
Benefits of Membership, cont’d
• Discounted registration and exhibiting fees at the annual
VA-AREA conference
• Numerous networking opportunities for companies to
achieve greater exposure before the public and private
sectors
• Expanded benefits and services as the association grows
Membership Levels
Academic/Non-Profit $250 (Educator, Researcher, Environmental Advocates,
Local Governments, Academic/Research Institutions)
Level 1 Membership $500 (Businesses with revenues under $5 Million)
Level 2 Membership $1000 (Businesses with revenues under $100 Million,
but over $5 Million)
Level 3 Membership $2500 (Businesses with revenues under $1 Billion, but
over $100 million)
Level 4 Membership $5000 (Businesses with revenues under $2 Billion, but
over $1 Billion)
Level 5 Membership $7500 (Businesses with revenues over $2 Billion)
Conclusion/Questions?
www.va-area.org