A new federal/state clean energy partnership will result in the creation of green collar jobs and clean energy infrastructure in America, according to Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit organization that works with clean energy funds and state agencies to expand the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and advance markets for clean energy technologies.
CESA will present policy recommendations for the Obama administration and outline steps for moving forward with effective clean energy economic stimulus. The key is distributing federal funds for clean energy investment directly through the many existing state clean energy funds and programs. The presentation will take place at a press conference and panel event scheduled for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW in Washington, DC. A formal congressional briefing will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill as well.
According to CESA president, Lewis Milford,
“CESA’s close work with the states has convinced us that the best way for the federal government to secure America’s energy future and create green jobs is by working with and through the state energy funds and programs to implement clean energy projects rapidly and efficiently,”
Milford also said that states have taken the lead in funding clean energy projects and have shown what works and what doesn’t throughout the United States.
CESA will also release new research on the status of clean energy infrastructure and markets in America at the event. The report will detail the progress of tens of thousands of clean energy projects funded by the states. Much of the innovative activity to advance clean energy has taken place at the state level. By supporting creative finance, policy, and market initiatives, the states have been serving as laboratories where ideas for implementing clean energy can be tested and proven in the real world. In many cases, the states have established special funds to promote renewable energy and other clean energy technologies.
CESA is also launching the inaugural “State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards” at the event to recognize those state-level programs that are most effectively accelerating adoption of clean energy technologies and advancing clean energy markets. Five state clean energy programs will be honored with awards and representatives from CESA’s member states will be present.
The event exemplifies the ground-breaking clean energy infrastructure work taking place at the state level. CESA’s policy proposal is especially timely given the new Obama Administration’s desire to identify and embrace policy strategies that can accelerate the transition towards an economy based on clean energy.
Read more about CESA at www.cleanenergystates.org, www.cleanegroup.org
