Thursday, September 13, 2007
Kaine puts forth long-range energy plan
The report detailed emission goals, advisory panels, development opportunities and conservation efforts.
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roanoke.com/politics
RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine on Wednesday unveiled a statewide energy plan that sets long-range goals for conservation, consumer education, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expansion of resources such as alternative fuels and nuclear power.
The plan sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025, bringing emissions back to 2000 levels. It also aims to reduce the rate of growth in energy consumption by 40 percent by 2017 and increase Virginia's energy production by 20 percent.
Though it emphasizes conservation, the plan also calls for the state to pursue economic development opportunities in "areas of strength" such as biofuels, nuclear technology and offshore energy production.
It also calls for creation of a climate change commission that would assess the state's carbon emissions levels and examine the possible effects of climate change on the state.
The General Assembly passed legislation in 2006 requiring development of a 10-year energy plan. A broad-based advisory group prepared the blueprint that Kaine released Wednesday. The plan is designed to promote greater energy independence in the state and to educate consumers on the need for conservation and efficiency, Kaine said during an announcement ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Kaine said Virginia "has been fortunate to have had ample supplies of energy at very competitive costs compared to other states."
But those low costs have made conservation efforts difficult, he said. With energy costs now on the rise, Kaine said, "we are faced with a lot of hard choices in terms of maintaining our economy and quality of life and also promoting wise energy strategies, including conservation."
Kaine marked the occasion by presenting VCU officials with 1,800 compact fluorescent light bulbs for campus buildings. The state has purchased 27,000 of the bulbs to replace incandescent bulbs at public facilities, which could reduce energy costs by more than $125,000 a year.
The General Assembly this year passed legislation setting a goal of reducing electricity use by 10 percent by 2022.
Environmental advocates said they welcomed Kaine's pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions and emphasize conservation, but some expressed concerns about goals to pursue coastal energy exploration and expand nuclear technology.
"Overall, I think it is a very well-balanced report," said Michael Town, the director of the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club.
Nathan Lott, the director of the Virginia Conservation Network, said the state easily can achieve Kaine's greenhouse gas reduction target.
"We already have the know-how to slash global warming pollution with mass transit, solar power, biodiesel and especially at-home energy efficiency," Lott said. "Targeted investments will allow Virginia to do even more."
Irene Leech, the president of the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, said Virginians must be encouraged to conserve energy before high costs force them to do so.
"That's why education is needed to help people to really understand the impact," Leech said.
Appalachian Power spokesman John Shepelwich said the company "will take a good look" at the report before commenting on it. Dominion Virginia Power, the state's largest electric utility, released a statement calling the plan "a comprehensive and balanced approach."
On the Net: www.governor.virginia.gov/TempContent/2007_VA_Energy_Plan-Full_Document.pdf
