On the solar front we have bad news and good news.
On the final day of the legislative session a major bill that would have created 300 megawatts of solar power in the next ten years—and which had unanimous support in the House—died through inaction in the Senate. This dismal failure will receive full treatment in a subsequent post.
Now to the good news. As of July 1 the Clean Energy Fund is reinstating the rebate to homeowners for solar photovolaic installations. This program was so successful over the past several years that it ran out of money. It is funded by a small surcharge on utility electric bills.
In the original program the State contributed 50% of the cost. Under the new program, this has been slightly reduced, but this reduction is offset by changes in the federal tax incentives. (Details are available at www.ctcleanenergy.com.)
I took advantage of the original program in my own home. I have 36 solar panels, which cost $60,000+. But the State covered half that cost.
My solar panels generate 70% of the electricity I use at my house. This month my bill was $25, and in the summer I'll begenerating a big surplus sent back to the grid for a savings that will carry me through the winter months. Not bad.
Transportation for America is getting the word out that the American Clean Energy & Security Act needs a little tightening up.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act is probably the biggest opportunity in generations to jumpstart our economy; create millions of good, new, jobs; and set the stage for America to prosper and lead in a 21st century economy, while reducing global warming pollution at the same time.
While China and India made massive investments in developing clean energy, oil and coal lobbyists are desperately trying to put the brakes on clean energy development in the US.
According to Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General, clean energy investment in the United States fell by 2% in recent years, but in 2008 China became the world’s second largest wind market in terms of new capacity and the world’s biggest photovoltaic manufacturer. A rise in geothermal energy may be getting underway in countries from Australia to Japan and Kenya.
If Americans are serious about wanting to restore prosperity and lead the 21st century global economy, T4America and others argue that we must level the playing field for new energy industries and limit the entitlements and tax breaks and government handouts that have been par for the course for the energy industries that ruled last century.
T4 America calls on Congress to strengthen the bill through three amendments:
Amendment #1: Ensure more clean energy for America.Increase the Renewable Electricity Standard to 30 percent by 2020. Support renewable energy and energy efficiency to deliver more clean energy jobs to the U.S. economy more quickly.
Amendment #2: Hold Polluters accountable. Restore authority to the EPA to regulate carbon emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act.
Amendment #3: Create more clean energy jobs for America and build resiliency to climate change. Reduce allocations to polluting industries in order to supplement allowance accounts that would bolster green job development and would protect vulnerable communities that are impacted first and worst by climate change. Shave allocations from fossil fuel producers and redistribute them to programs that deliver energy efficiency and renewable energy, create green jobs and train workers to fill them, and protect natural resources here and around the world.
Business as usual, or even mostly as usual, will not cure us of our fossil fuels habit or position us to compete well against the economic behemoths that are China and India. Congress needs to chart a new course. Tell them.
Cyclists, walkers, runners and transit users have some good news. Connecticut’s “Complete Streets” bill, now Public Act 09-154, has passed both houses and awaits the governor’s signature.
While bike and pedestrian advocates see the final version of the bill as a slightly watered down version of the original, the Complete Streets legislation is absolutely a step in the right direction toward ensuring that transportation isn’t just about cars anymore. If we want cleaner air, healthier residents and less reliance on petroleum, we better start making it a whole lot easier and safer for people to get around by foot and by bike.
The enactment of the Complete Streets legislation is the result of an informal coalition of advocates from across the state. Now is a good time to recognize those who put a lot of hard work into getting this bill across the finish line.
First, Liz Brown and Tom Brooks of the Commission on Children raised the question last December, “What can we ask for this legislative session that will enable children to be more active?” Out of that discussion came a meeting with Senator DeFronzo and the idea to pursue Complete Streets legislation. Throughout the process Liz has been a great guide to how the legislature works!
Second, Deb Dauphinais of the Central Connecticut Bicycle Assocation (CCBA) provided the vital personal connect with Representative Tom Kehoe. Deb also organized the CCBA Legislative reception where bicycle advocates demonstrated their numbers and provided a great launch for the bill.
Third, Ryan Lynch and Tri State Transportation Campaign get the lion’s share of credit for seeing this through. Ryan drafted the beautifully simple language that survived almost completely intact. He was always ready with research to support the bill when questions came up from the legislature. He was the main legislative contact and he did a great job of keeping the informal coalition of advocates informed and getting them to reach out to their constituents.
And finally, many thanks and congratulations go to Representative Tom Kehoe (Glastonbury) who was the main backer of the bill, and Senator Don DeFronzo (New Britain) and Representative Tony Guerrera (Rocky Hill), co-chairs of the Transportation Committee who put the support of the committee behind the bill , and the numerous Senators and Representatives who voted in favor of the bill. Consider sending them a message or calling to let them know you appreciate all their hard work on this bill. (Representatives’ contact info; Senators’contact info).
To all the bike and pedestrian advocates who promoted the complete streets bill– great job in keeping the grass roots interested and active. Without the demonstrated support from advocates throughout the state, complete streets would never have passed - your work was essential.
