A broad coalition of environmental advocates and clean energy businesses united with legislative leaders yesterday to call for policies that will get Connecticut residents back to work in good, green jobs.
Some policies would cost nothing to adopt
While some of those policies would require some financial investment, others would require no financial expense at all. In many cases, the no-cost policies call only for planning, cooperation and communication.
Many no-cost, green jobs policies call only for planning, cooperation and communication, perennial shortcomings in Connecticut’s fragmented approach to government—shortcomings that have caught up with us in the form of out-of-control budget deficits.
Businesses call for state to “Stay the Course” to Develop & Support Ct’s clean Energy& energy efficiency Industries
If Connecticut is serious about being a major player in the new clean energy economy, it’s critical that legislators and the Governor stay the course and keep our focus on investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
As businessman David Leishman, Chair of the Connecticut Chapter of the Northeast Energy Efficiency Council, pointed out, Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs have been rated number 1 in the country by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Energy and energy efficiency businesses need to be able to count on those policies staying in place if they are to stay in business, hire or expand.
Chris Lenda from Aegis Electrical Systems added that in terms of supporting our home-grown clean energy industry, Connecticut is falling behind compared to nearby states. New Jersey was mentioned several times as the new state leader in clean energy policy.
Connecticut’s waffling on those pro-clean energy and pro-efficiency business policies, such as last year’s proposal to siphon off clean energy and energy efficiency funds and dump them into the general operating fund kitty, makes the industry more than a little uneasy. The same goes for this year’s proposal to securitize some of those clean energy funds.
Policies that spur Good Green Jobs
Based on their report entitled “Building Connecticut’s Economic and Environmental Future,” the advocates call for policies to be enacted this legislative session that:
- Expand Connecticut’s solar industry to its full potential.
- Invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy to lower the cost of energy and develop reliable sources for the future.
- Create financing options to make it easier to invest in energy efficiency improvements and clean energy.
- Rebuild and repair our stormwater and sewage systems to clean up our water.
- Restore Long Island Sound habitat and water quality.
- Get toxins out of our environment .
- Manage our forests and open lands sustainably.
- Support our farms and farmers so we have fresh, healthy and locally-grown food.
- Create a 21st century transit system to provide reliable, rapid transportation between our towns and cities and to the northeast region.
- Make our communities more livable, walkable and sustainable.
Green Jobs Advocates
Groups speaking up for green jobs include: American Farmland Trust • Audubon Connecticut • Clean Water Action • Connecticut Forest & Park Association • Connecticut League of Conservation Voters • Connecticut Fund for the Environment • Environment Connecticut • Environment Northeast • Rivers Alliance of Connecticut • Save the Sound • Sierra Club, Connecticut Chapter • The Nature Conservancy • Transit for Connecticut • Working Lands Alliance • 1000 Friends of Connecticut.
