Tennessee takes lead energy role

[irishbobcat]

Tennessee takes lead energy role
 

  Apr 14, 2009
Tennessean
   
John Noel

The U.S. Department of Energy says that we waste more than 50 percent of the total annual energy consumed in our country.

The opportunity for citizens and governments to save money is huge. Legislation, and a plan, to accomplish this savings are being rolled out in our state right now.

One year ago, our governor formed a task force to develop an energy plan for Tennessee. Much of the results of this plan are reflected in this legislation focusing on three main areas.

First, the state will lead by example, improving gas mileage and reducing auto size for its 10,000-plus vehicles and bettering the energy management of its buildings through energy-efficient retrofits and updated technology. Second, it will encourage job creation in clean-energy technology and efficiency with key incentives. And third, the state will promote greater energy efficiency in Tennessee's residential sector. The latter will facilitate the weatherization of lower-income homes, saving energy for those who need it most.

In our state, most of the energy we use is non-renewable and carbon-based, such as gasoline and electricity. Wasting it costs us money and depletes the energy source, creating an unhealthy national dependency. Tennesseans currently use more residential electricity per capita than any state, with the possible exception of Alabama. It is time we own our energy future and, additionally, enhance our energy security.

Retrofits save money

Energy fundamentally underlies our jobs, businesses, homes and lives. For example, buildings consume 70 percent of electricity in the U.S. Recognizing this some years ago, our state conducted an energy audit and subsequent energy retrofit on Nashville's downtown Andrew and Rachel Jackson state office buildings. About $4 million was spent and, 4½ years later, all that money came back in energy savings. The savings now amount to more than $800,000 per year. In today's investment world, one could say that investing in energy efficiency is the best return and safest investment in the market.

Many respected business people and economists believe clean-energy technology is about the future of the American economy, creating jobs, and a sustainable source of energy. Our state has recently announced two new clean-energy companies coming to Tennessee, each spending more $1 billion and creating numerous needed jobs. States and cities nationwide are sharing their best ideas and combining purchasing power, effectively lowering costs and saving energy.

Low gas prices and past thinking reduced our expectations and underestimated the potential of efficient, clean energy. The Clean Energy Future Act now in the legislature adds gusto to building a brighter future, calling us to higher ground. It is hoped that the decision makers of our state will pass and implement the recommendations, recognizing energy efficiency is the most cost-effective and beneficial asset for the citizens of Tennessee.

One is reminded that "the cheapest energy available to us is that which is not used."

Our state's energy plan embraces this idea. Moving it to reality will require the participation of our government and all of our citizens.
   
   

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With poineers like the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong, shouldn't Ohio be taking the lead?



Dennis Spisak

Mahoning Valley Green Party

Ohio Green Party



www.ohiogreens.org

www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/