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Clean Energy Jobs, Climate-Related Policies and Economic Growth: State and Local Views 21 July 2009
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing entitled “Clean Energy Jobs, Climate-Related Policies and Economic Growth: State and Local Views” on 21 July, 2009. The committee asked several state governors and local officials to testify in order to demonstrate the clean energy initiatives of their states and local governments.
During the opening statements, Senator Inhofe (R-OK) began by expressing his displeasure with H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as “Cap & Trade” or “Waxman-Markey”. He believes America’s farmers have more to lose than anyone else from the proposed legislation, noting that “the debate over cap and trade is not partisan; it’s regional. And I can tell you Democrats in the West and South think differently than Speaker Pelosi or [Congressman] Henry Waxman.” However, Senator Inhofe noted there is nothing wrong with green jobs as long as they do not replace existing jobs. Finally, Senator Inhofe quoted James Hansen, head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, who said, “Cap and trade is a temple of doom; it would lock in disasters for our children and grandchildren.”
Following Senator Inhofe was Senator Sanders (I-VT) who communicated his excitement for clean energy jobs. Senator Sanders stated, “We need a future in which we create millions of good paying jobs in areas of wind, solar, geothermal, [and] biomass” He also showed his enthusiasm for America’s potential if the nation could have 25 percent of its energy coming from renewable and sustainable sources by 2025.
Senator Udall (D-NM) applauded state and local governments because they “are really laying the groundwork on the clean energy economy.” He noted that no fewer than 23 of 50 states have already agreed to regional cap and trade programs to reduce greenhouse gases. These three regional cap and trade programs cover half of the US population and one-third of US geographic regions. Finally, Senator Vitter (R-LA) emphasized that he would like to see a very long discussion in regard to green energy jobs and H.R. 2454.
The committee then turned to its witnesses who explained the width and breadth of their states’ clean energy efforts. Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado noted that the new energy economy is energizing his state’s economy, which is part of the reason why Colorado is in such good shape. Colorado is also educating students so they can lead in new green jobs.
Governor Gregoire of Washington explained that her state has tax incentives for renewable energy and that the nation’s largest solar generating plant is going to be built in a town that was once dominated by the coal industry. She also noted that green jobs are growing much faster in Washington than the state had predicted. The state also has an apprenticeship program for green job training, which is controlled at the local level by employers and employees. These apprenticeship programs are uniquely poised to respond quickly to industry demands and changes.
Furthermore, Governor Hoeven of North Dakota expressed his support for fostering energy research. He also noted that, in his opinion, H.R. 2454 penalizes, not rewards, technological advances.
During the question and answer portion, Senator Boxer asked how important federal policies are for promoting job growth. Governor Gregoire stated that having a national standard and energy policy would help energy companies and venture capitalists. No one wants to invest until they see Congress send a signal to America so they can have predictability and sustainability in the marketplace.
Senator Inhofe asked Governor Hoeven about hydraulic fracturing, a method used by oil and gas companies to create fractures that extend from a borehole into rock formations. Senator Inhofe said, “There is some effort to do away with hydraulic fracturing and that would be devastating.” Governor Hoeven noted that hydraulic fracturing is vital for North Dakota’s energy industry.
Next, Senator Sanders asked Governor Corzine of New Jersey how his state has become second in the nation, after California, in regard to solar energy. The governor explained that his state has created stability in its regulatory environment. New Jersey has created market allotment factors that allow for support of solar implementation by its utility companies.
In conclusion, all witnesses highlighted their desire to see a national energy policy that is coupled with a national climate policy.
Please visit the Witness Statements for more information.