August 20, 2010

Renewable Energy World
by Ralf Sigrist, Nordex USA

Recently, when Senator Harry Reid put forth a “spill bill” rather than an energy bill, my theory that the energy debate in this country has been framed upside down seemed to be confirmed.

Arguments for renewable energy legislation have mixed messages on jobs creation with those of climate change, national security, energy independence and environmental disaster. After two years of debate and millions spent in lobbying, no one has been persuaded.

Why? Because clean energy got stuck on the wrong side of the cost debate. Guardians of the carbon economy have promoted the axiom that traditional energy is cheap, renewable energy is expensive, and you can’t replace cheap with expensive, especially by way of the taxpayer. That’s the kind of flawed thinking that could allow Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s spokesperson to say “Republicans are more than happy to protect Americans from a job-killing national energy tax,” in reference to cap and trade.

“Keep it cheap” is a winning argument, but it’s dead wrong. It appeals to today’s strained pocketbooks while jeopardizing tomorrow’s economic footing. The truth is that traditional energy costs us dearly and is only artificially cheap. In contrast, wind energy is already cost-competitive in many locations in North America. If meaningfully integrated into the U.S. energy portfolio, it can help build a more stable, long-term energy supply based on a predictable pricing model.

But the public doesn’t feel the high costs of fossil fuels, and therein lies the public perception problem for renewable energy. In the public mind, money paid at the gas pump and to utilities reflects the true price of energy set by what’s assumed to be a free market. In fact, the federal government pours billions of dollars annually into fossil fuels, grossly distorting the energy market.

This framework is so deeply imbedded into our historical-legal energy structure that it is imperceptible to consumers and industry. We just don’t see it, feel it or even know about it, but it’s right there under our feet, holding up the entire foundation of our economy. That foundation is beginning to crack. We need to invest in a new foundation now, but our Congressional leaders have lacked the resolve to do this, opting instead to perpetuate the cheap fuel myth.

The hidden costs of fossil fuels are three layers deep. They include current costs, future costs and socio-environmental costs. Let’s start with current costs. The Environmental Law Institute has calculated $70 billion in subsidies for fossil fuels in the period of 2002-2008, in the form of tax breaks, direct spending and even health care costs, like the treatment of black lung disease for coal miners. If those subsidies were to vanish, shock waves would surely shake the nation out of its energy apathy, and we would understand the value of a kilowatt-hour. Renewable alternatives like wind would suddenly look like a bargain deal.

Then there’s the problem of the future. Artificially low as they are, traditional energy costs will rise due to tighter supply, challenges in exploration and extraction and regulation. Today’s slump in energy prices, stemming from the global recession and relaxed demand, is a temporary mirage. No one, however, can predict the next debilitating price spike or even say what our favorite fuels will cost in 20-30 years. This veil of uncertainty exposes the economy to great risk. In contrast, wind is predictable, allowing prices to be locked-in for up to 25 years.

The perception of cheap fuel is further perpetuated by the fact that taxpayers and society-at-large are unknowingly underwriting the ecological hazards of fossil fuels, and I’m not even talking about climate change. To some extent, the Gulf has brought this reality to light, but I fear it overshadows the everyday, imperceptible damage still off the radar. For example, putting hefty carbon emissions aside, the coal production lifecycle makes a toxic mess of our water and air. But cleaning up after coal would be the end of cheap electricity.

With good intentions, the renewable energy camp has tried to win over the nation with the promise of millions of new jobs. I do believe wholeheartedly in the economic power of renewable energy. And how could I otherwise, since we are investing $100 million in a wind turbine manufacturing plant in Arkansas. We’ve hired 130 people nationwide in the past two years, and have plans to grow our operations to over 1,000 employees by 2014. In addition, we have attracted other suppliers and contractors who are creating more jobs in the hundreds.

But the promise of jobs cannot by itself overcome the main roadblock to progress – the false perception of cheap fuel. Renewable energy has to get on the right side of the cost debate if lawmakers are to support investing political capital in it. We need a widespread shift in public thinking in order to build a real, long-term energy strategy for this country.

Ralf Sigrist is President and CEO of Nordex USA Inc. a leading wind turbine manufacturer headquartered in Chicago with a manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas

August 13, 2010

Jonesboro Sun
By Curt Hodges

POCAHONTAS — David Smith said he is amazed by the savings he has realized by replacing diesel fuel to power his irrigation system with electric wells with variable-speed drives.

“The best I can tell is it saves me about $3 an hour in pumping costs” over diesel-powered pumps, Smith, who farms 1,500 acres in Randolph County said after a demonstration on his farm southeast of Pocahontas on Wednesday morning.

Smith and his wife, Nancy Smith, have received a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant for $8,604 and used their own funds to complete the $34,416 changeover for an irrigation pump that serves two fields on his farm near the Shannon community known as the “Chat Road Farm.”

“The beauty of this is that it goes right to the bottom line,” said Kenneth Smith (no relation), executive director of the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Environment. “This is one of the most energy-efficient systems I have ever seen.”

The REAP program is part of the U.S. Farm Bill, and Kenneth Smith sees it as something that could have a positive impact on the state’s farming community.
“I can see variable-speed electric motor systems replacing diesel power on a lot of irrigation pumps around the state,” he told The Sun.

The system involves a controller that operates the electric powering the pump. At the Smiths’ farm, the well they changed is near a 20,000 bushel grain bin in the middle of a 47-acre rice field and an 80-acre corn field, both of which are irrigated from the well.

The same controller can be used to operate the grain bin motor systems and can also result in energy savings in that application, Kenneth Smith said.

Basically, the controller allows adjustment of the motor speed to fit the need. Thus, he said, the pump won’t discharge more water than needed, and the grain drying system won’t operate at a fixed speed even though a slower speed might be more efficient.

Operating at a slower speed saves energy and saves money, Kenneth Smith said.

The farmer said he believes the payoff for the new system will be sooner than he expected. He also plans to install a second electric well with variable-speed controller on another farm he operates.

He based his calculations on diesel fuel at $2.43 per gallon. He said it takes about three gallons an hour to power the well, a little more than $7 per hour in fuel costs.

The electric well operates for about $3 per hour. Plus, the farmer said, there are little to no maintenance and service costs for an electric well, whereas a diesel engine has to be serviced at about 200 operating hours at a cost of $50-100 per unit for oil, filters and other needs, not counting the time required to change the oil and filters and the time the well isn’t pumping during service.

“There’s a lot of benefits to it for me,” David Smith said. “I don’t have anything bad at all to say about it.”

He is also planning to use poly pipe to reduce irrigation needs and pumping costs and is looking forward to more efficient and cost-effective grain drying this fall.

USDA officials estimate the change will allow reduction of the use of some 8,400 gallons of diesel per season on the two wells slated for the electric motors and control panels.

Lori Barker, Natural Resources Conservation Service coordinator for the 11-county Ozark Foothills Resource, Conservation and Development Council, said three other farms in the Ozark Foothills Council area participated in the program and received grants for installing energy-efficient electric motors on irrigation wells, grain bin complexes and on “grain pullout” systems.

Barker said qualifying farmers can apply for grants from the new federal energy program which can be used for up to 25-percent of a project’s total eligible costs. The grants are limited to $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements.

The grants are not limited to replacing diesel with efficient electric motors and can be used in other applications, such as replacing grain dryer systems with more efficient ones.

Barker said there have been three other REAP applications in this area for grain drying and irrigation applications. They are Billy Ray James, 25 percent grant, $6,405 for two irrigation wells; James Joint Venture, 25 percent grant, $12,343 for four irrigation wells; and Wren Farms, 25 percent grant, $40,697, total project, $162,788 for 11 energy efficient electric motors on 11-bin grain complex.

http://www.jonesborosun.com/archivedstory.php?ID=44268&Search=REAP

August 11, 2010

Fayetteville – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced nearly $1 million in grant funding to assist Arkansas farmers and rural small businesses in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Lincoln announced the funding at the University of Arkansas’s Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center in Fayetteville, where she was joined by Marvin Childers, President of the Arkansas Poultry Federation; Ron Bell, President of the Arkansas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Inc.; Ken Smith, Director of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy. Grant recipients from throughout the state and local elected officials also attended the event.

“As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am pleased that so many Arkansas producers are taking advantage of Farm Bill programs,” Lincoln said. “In just one year we have increased Arkansans’ share of REAP grant funding by more than 12 times, bringing almost $1 million to our state. This increase is allowing Arkansas farmers and rural small businesses to lower their energy and operating costs while creating jobs and investing millions of dollars into projects that benefit our local economies and communities.”

The state of Arkansas has traditionally ranked near the bottom of all states in receiving funding from the REAP program. Last year, Arkansas was awarded just over $70,000 in funding. After becoming Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Lincoln made it a priority to ensure Arkansans had the opportunity to take advantage of this program. She coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Arkansas Poultry Federation, Arkansas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, poultry integrators and other interested groups to assist agricultural producers and small businesses with applying for the REAP program. This year, USDA will fund 40 grant applications, totaling almost $1 million and meeting the funding allocation for the state.

Producers across the state are receiving REAP grants that will fund various projects. Examples include solar projects in Hot Springs, irrigation systems in Walnut Ridge, grain dryers in England, and poultry house weatherization projects in Northwest Arkansas. The grants will leverage over $4 million in project funding, helping local economies throughout Arkansas to generate economic growth and create jobs.

“This program creates additional economic activity and jobs in our rural communities,” Lincoln said. “These projects provide work for local contractors and business for local retailers. It also helps to alleviate some of the high operating costs our producers face every day. As a seventh generation Arkansan from a farm family, I know and understand first-hand what a tight budget our agriculture producers work with in terms of operating costs. With the improvements made possible by these grants, our agriculture producers can save hundreds and in some cases, thousands of dollars each month.”

Business leaders and producers praised the grants as critical resources that will create jobs and allow producers to develop more competitive and cost-effective operations.

“These Rural Energy grants were made possible by Senator Lincoln. She has shown leadership by making sure our applications for these grants were submitted on a timely basis, and she knew this was a program that would benefit Arkansas farmers and poultry producers. Through Senator Lincoln’s leadership as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, she is able to help Arkansas tremendously,” said Marvin Childers, President of the Arkansas Poultry Federation.

“On behalf of Arkansas’s farmers and small businesses, the Arkansas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils is grateful for the extraordinary effort put forth by Senator Lincoln and Rural Development to ensure that the REAP program resources were brought to Arkansas this year. Since this program’s inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, 2010 is the first year that this important resource program has been executed at its full potential here in the state. Thanks to their efforts, almost everyone in a large, diverse population of farmers throughout the state who applied for these cost share resources to make investments in energy efficiency or renewable energy was funded,” said Ron Bell, President of the Arkansas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.

“REAP grants play a large role in helping rural businesses increase their competitive edge and become more energy independent,” said Ken Smith, director of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy. “Energy efficiency lowers the cost of doing business, and that’s good for jobs in Arkansas’ rural communities.”

“Electricity and propane costs are the largest expenditures for a poultry grower like me. The REAP grants makes it possible for farmers and ranchers to make the energy efficiency improvements, which in turn helps lower energy usage making us more competitive. Through this process, I have seen government agencies, non-profit organizations, like Arkansas Farm Bureau, industries, and Senate Agriculture Committee all come together to help make this program successful for Arkansas farmers and ranchers,” said Gene Pharr, Arkansas Farm Bureau State Board Member, Washington County.

“We are enthused about the REAP programs designed to boost the local economy and help Arkansans. I want to thank Senator Blanche Lincoln for her efforts on this program. There is a tremendous amount of untapped energy resources that we are not taking advantage of. We have proved to the consumer of energy savings from 50-75 percent. Not only does that cut production costs, but it also reduces our dependence on foreign oil,” said Layne Nichols, Smart Heating Solutions.

More information about the REAP program can be accessed by the visiting the USDA’s website here http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/reap.htm

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE:  June 17, 2010

Contact:  Ken Smith, Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
Phone:  501-912-1090

Little Rock, Ark.–As the Senate Democratic Caucus prepares to meet today and discuss the direction and strategy for moving forward on a climate and energy package, business leaders throughout Arkansas sent its economic case for support for building the clean energy economy to Senators Lincoln and Pryor encouraging them to stand behind a comprehensive approach that includes a price on carbon and reminding them that a scaled-down energy only bill will not adequately address our dependence on oil, will not stimulate our economy and will not provide the market stability American businesses need to grow and compete.

Below is a statement from the Arkansas Business Leaders on the importance of passing comprehensive climate and energy legislation.

On behalf of business leaders throughout Arkansas, the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy is urging our Senators to stand up for comprehensive climate and energy legislation now. As the disaster unfolds in the Gulf, this is the time for bold action, not a stripped-down energy bill.

We must move quickly and decisively to wean ourselves off dirty fossil fuels for the sake of our economy.   Arkansans need and demand comprehensive legislation that puts a price on carbon, unlocks the creativity of the market, and points our state toward a more profitable, more sustainable, and more secure clean-energy future.

The Arkansas council’s business members range from home energy auditing companies to multinational renewal energy corporations, and come from every part of our state. Over the past year, we have:

•    Released the energy efficiency study in April by Georgia Institute of Technology and Duke University’s Nicholas Center showing that utility bills in Arkansas could be reduced by $1.2 billion and job growth in energy efficiency in could increase by 8700 jobs.
•    Released an economic analysis from three leading universities that shows the House passed version of climate and energy legislation would add up to 25,000 jobs and increase our GDP by $1.2 billion.
•    Sponsored economic forums in northwest Arkansas and in the Delta.
•    Arranged congressional briefings in Arkansas and in Washington, DC with our Senators staff and several of state’s leading clean energy executives.

Our council is part of a wider movement sweeping the state’s business community. Across Arkansas, 108 businesses are calling for comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year. These businesses employ 16,916 of your fellow Arkansans—and will employ many more if Congress acts now to set our nation on a path to a clean energy future.

Now is the time to act. Between the tragic spill in the Gulf and the mine disaster in West Virginia, Americans have spent months dealing with the consequences of our continued reliance on fossil fuels. There can be no better time to ask Americans to turn away from an increasingly outdated way of powering our economy – it is impossible to ignore the real costs of our fossil-fuel addiction.

Energy-only legislation is not enough. Research shows that a comprehensive climate and clean energy bill will cut US oil imports and greenhouse gas emissions much faster and further, boosting employment higher than an energy-only bill.

A comprehensive climate and energy bill, according to the Congressional Budget Office, will slash our budget deficit by $21 billion by 2019.  In comparison, an energy-only bill means more oil imports, more greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer new jobs – and according to Congressional Budget Office estimates available at www.cbo.gov – an energy-only bill would actually increase the budget deficit.  To us, the choice is clear.

Here in Arkansas, studies show comprehensive climate and energy legislation could mean up to 25,000 new jobs and increase the state’s GDP an additional $1.2 billion.  We need those jobs.  In order to create them, business owners need the kind of market certainty that only putting a price on carbon emissions can give.

For the sake of our businesses, our state, and our nation, we are asking Senators Lincoln and Pryor to stand up and support comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Now is the moment, and we urge them to act.

For more information visit: www.arkcleaneconomy.biz

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Signals Critical Progress & Major Gains for Arkansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 12, 2010

Contact:
Eddy Moore
AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
C: 501-772-5426

Little Rock, Ark — Today, a comprehensive energy and climate bill was introduced, reflecting months of hard work from Senators John Kerry (D- MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT). The American Power Act is a major step forward that would reduce United States’ dependence on oil and move our country toward a cleaner, more secure energy economy.

Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy, an informal network of numerous Arkansas-based clean energy companies, applauds the effort to improve American and Arkansas competitiveness in the emerging trillion-dollar global clean technology economy.

“It is time to pass a comprehensive climate and energy policy to create Arkansas jobs in the wind industry.  These policies will strengthen our economy and national security,” said Nakano Tsuneo, Senior Vice President of Wind Operations for Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas.  Mitsubishi is Arkansas’ newest major wind turbine manufacturing company.  Mitsubishi has broken ground on a $100 million plant in Ft. Smith, Arkansas that will employ at least 400 people.

Like the recently-opened LM Glasfiber windmill blade factory in Little Rock, and the Nordex windmill turbine facility being built in Jonesboro, the Mitsubishi location includes room for expansion, should the wind industry continue the high rate of growth it has seen in recent years.  Arkansas is favorably located for the wind industry due to very windy nearby states and strong transportation infrastructure.

Also, representing the energy efficiency sector of the Arkansas clean energy economy, Robert Wilkins, President of Danfoss North America Corporation stated that “Energy security, economic security and economic growth are so closely tied to climate issues that we cannot separate them.  Clean energy technology offers the platform for a transformational economy and by decisively deploying a strong energy policy, the US will be well positioned be the world’s clean energy market leader.”

Danfoss operates a factory in Arkadelphia, Arkansas that employs 525 people and manufactures components for high-efficiency air conditioners.

“The catastrophic Gulf Coast oil spill will have economic, as well as environmental effects; it demonstrates the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy markets,” said Eddy Moore, coordinator of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.  “The American Power Act introduced today gives businesses and workers in Arkansas a fighting chance to compete in a trillion dollar clean energy economy.”

To arrange an interview with Eddy Moore, Robert Wilkins, or Jonathan Wang, please call Eddy Moore at 501-772-5426.

Visit http://www.arkcleaneconomy.biz/ for more information about Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.
To read an extended bill summary, click here

To read remarks from Senator Kerry, click here

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 29, 2010

Contact:
Eddy Moore
AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
C: 501-772-5426

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eleven Arkansas companies including Danfoss North America, Hornbeck Agricultural and Dow, joined more than 170 businesses, including Nike and eBay, from around the country in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Reid and Senators Lincoln and Pryor today calling on the Senate to continue working to enact comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year. The letter was brought together by the We Can Lead coalition and AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.

The eleven Arkansas signatories to the letter are: Danfoss North America, Hornbeck Agricultural, Viridian, Trem|Wel, Silicon Solar Solutions, HERS,Inc., Treadwell Institute, Home Energy Consultants, Richard Harp Construction, LLC, Liberty Solar Solutions and Dow Chemical.  Other national signees include: Exelon, Virgin America,  and PG&E, along with representatives from the new energy economy.  The letter comes just days after a temporary delay of the introduction of the legislative language by Senators Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman. Business leaders are urging all Senators to get comprehensive energy and climate legislation “back on track” in order to spur a new energy economy, boost energy independence and decrease carbon emissions.

“Today, the United States is falling behind in the global race to lead the next global industrial revolution. US businesses need strong policies and clear market signals to deploy capital, harness innovative technologies, and compete in the global marketplace,” the letter states.  “Every day the Senate fails to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation is a day our economy falls another step behind and delays our ability to create millions of new American jobs.  America’s energy future is not a partisan issue.  Now is the time to bring the parties together and finish what we started.”

“Arkansas has the wind, solar, biomass and energy efficiency industries to benefit from a comprehensive bill,” said Eddy Moore, coordinator for the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.  “Establishing a market where the private sector can determine the best way to reduce carbon emissions is the best way to create new business opportunities and jobs for Arkansas.”

A recent study conducted by a consortium of economists at three leading universities found that comprehensive climate and energy policies could generate up to 25,000 additional jobs in Arkansas, increase Arkansas real Gross Domestic Product by $1.2 billion and real household income by  $1,230 per year (as measured in 2008 dollars) by 2020.
Pew Charitable Trusts’ analysis shows that 448 businesses in Arkansas generated more than 4,500 jobs in clean energy by 2007. The same study showed that between 2006 and 2008, venture capitalists poured $22.8 million into clean technology businesses in the state.
The letter was signed by 175 businesses from some of the nation’s largest electric power, manufacturing, clean tech, technology and consumer facing companies.  To view the full text and the broad list of business support for action, please go to: www.wecanlead.org/actnow

About We Can Lead

We Can Lead is sponsored by the Clean Economy Network and Ceres’ Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP).  For more on We Can Lead, visit www.wecanlead.org
The Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy is an informal network of businesses and business leaders, spanning a wide spectrum of industry and commerce.  The network supports a transition to a low-carbon clean energy economy in Arkansas and nationally. Its goal is to empower the Arkansas business community to influence public policy that helps get us there.

For more information on the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy visit: http://www.arkcleaneconomy.biz/
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Clean Energy for Our Future (Guest Commentary)

By Bert Fleck
3/15/2010

Recently, Dow Chemical and other Arkansas business leaders met with U.S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor in Washington, D.C., to present our views on climate and energy policy.

We represent an informal network called the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy. We believe promoting job growth and U.S. energy independence starts with legislation that requires standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency and creates a private-sector market for low-carbon energy solutions.

We met with our senators to deliver a simple message: There is great untapped potential to grow the state’s economy, attract investment and create jobs by enacting a comprehensive national energy and climate policy that supports renewable energy, promotes energy efficiency and cuts carbon dioxide emissions.

Arkansas is well positioned to take full advantage of the fast-growing, multibillion-dollar clean technology market. Between 2006 and 2008, venture capitalists poured $22.8 million into clean technology businesses in our state. Why? Because we are quickly becoming a manufacturing center for wind energy and other clean technologies. New facilities in the state have created thousands of jobs. One study showed that in 2007, 448 Arkansas businesses had generated more than 4,500 clean energy jobs.

A recent study conducted by a consortium of economists at three leading universities found that comprehensive climate and energy policies could generate up to 25,000 additional jobs in Arkansas, increase Arkansas real gross domestic product by $1.2 billion and real household income by $1,230 per year, as measured in 2008 dollars, by 2020.

Entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors who support strong climate and clean energy legislation are convinced that a carbon emissions limit is the best market-based tool to spur new business opportunities and jobs for America. We see it as vital to our long-term economic competitiveness, as clean energy will unleash a flurry of new investments leading to the creation of jobs and the restoration our country’s technological edge.

We believe that Arkansans should note that market-based development of low-carbon energy sources is happening in multiple states and countries, regardless of what leaders in our state do this year. Most of the East Coast and all of the West Coast have already developed multi-state carbon markets. Already they are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the technologies that will be the basis of tomorrow’s wealth. European and Asian clean energy policies have helped shift world clean energy leadership from the United States to other nations. Arkansas should not resign itself to being left behind when its potential is so rich.

We disagree with those who believe clean energy is too expensive for Arkansans. Fuel savings by an OG&E wind project in Oklahoma in 2007 offset the entire cost of the project. Empire District Electric Co., located on the Missouri-Arkansas boarder, is the most wind-reliant utility in the nation. Its initial wind contract saved $4.2 million in avoided fossil fuel energy-generation costs in the first quarter of 2006, “far exceed[ing] our expectations and our customers and shareholders have enjoyed the financial benefits,” according to Empire Vice President Brad Beecher.

Due to our geographic location and significant clean energy resources, Arkansas is poised to lead America’s transition to clean, efficient energy. As leaders of established and emerging clean energy technology companies across the state and nation, we recognize the urgency and opportunity of this moment.

We hope Sens. Lincoln and Pryor do too. We urge them to give Arkansas the tools to lead our nation into a cleaner, more prosperous future by voting for strong climate and energy policies, now.

(Bert Fleck is manager of Dow Chemical’s Russellville plant.)

New study from Nobel Prize Winner shows how aggressive energy efficiency policies could make the Arkansas a leader in smart energy use

Media Contact:
Eddy Moore, AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
C: 501-772-5426
Little Rock, AR – (April 12, 2010) – According to a new study released today by a team of researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Duke University’s Nicholas Institute, aggressive adoption of energy efficiency programs in Arkansas would lower utility bills by $1.2 billion and create 8,700 new jobs by 2020.   Avoided annual electricity consumption is equal to the amount of electricity produced by two power plants in 2020 and three power plants in 2030.

“The fastest route to a more prosperous secure economy in Arkansas and our country is to eliminate energy waste through energy efficiency and move to a clean energy economy,” said Eddy Moore, coordinator of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.

“Setting the right market signals by putting limits on carbon pollution and passing stronger efficiency standards would give the market the direction it needs to reduce energy consumption and start to give consumers and businesses more control over their energy costs,” added Moore.

Total energy demand in the South, where per capita energy consumption is already higher than average, is projected to increase 16 percent from 2010 to 2030.  At the same time, many Southern states spend less on energy efficiency programs than their peer states in other parts of the country.  The research strongly indicates the South’s projected growth in energy consumption need not materialize if the region begins to tap into its tremendous energy efficiency potential.  See the attached fact sheet for detailed Arkansas findings.

“An aggressive commitment to energy efficiency could be an economic windfall for the South,” states Dr. Marilyn Brown of the Georgia Institute of Technology and co-lead researcher of the study.  “Such a shift would lower energy bills for cash-strapped consumers and businesses and create more new jobs for Southern workers.”

Across the Southern region,  aggressive adoption of energy efficiency programs would lower utility bills by $41 billion and create 380,000 new jobs by 2020.

Moore reiterated that when national standards for renewable energy and a price on carbon are added to energy efficiency polices the economic effects multiply.

For example, a team of economist for three leading universities found that the combined package could generate up to 25,000 additional jobs in Arkansas, increase Arkansas’ real Gross Domestic Product by $1.2 billion and real household income by $1,230 per year (as measured in 2008 dollars).

“The issues surrounding energy are important and complex: energy security, economic security and economic growth are so closely tied that we cannot separate them,” said Robert Wilkins, President of Danfoss North America.

The Arkadelphia factory employs 525 people and is aggressively hiring. They produce 500,000 units of scroll compressors for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration applications per year.

“These issues affect broad stakeholders with wide sweeping implications that will not change over night, but it is important to stay the path in pursuing efficiency – by employing technologies available today and seeking transformational technologies of tomorrow,” added Wilkins.

The Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy is an informal network of businesses and business leaders, spanning a wide spectrum of industry and commerce.  The network supports a transition to a low-carbon clean energy economy in Arkansas and nationally. Its goal is to empower the Arkansas business community to influence public policy that helps get us there.

To view the full report and state profiles visit: http://www.seealliance.org/programs/se-efficiency-study.php

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Arkansas Business Leaders host Senator Pryor, U.S. Department of Energy to Promote Economic Growth through Energy Efficiency

Keynote speakers kick-off day of energy efficiency workshops in Fayetteville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2010

Contact:
Eddy Moore
AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
Phone: 501-772-5426

Fayetteville, Ark. – Mayor Lioneld Jordan welcomed Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy, Senator Pryor and the U.S. Department of Energy to Fayetteville for a discussion on the role of energy efficiency in Arkansas’s emerging clean energy economy this morning. Business and government leaders gathered at the Fayetteville Public Library to discuss policy efforts that promote private sector investment in clean energy technology, such as coordination of utility programs, carbon regulation and public-private financing programs.

Among those job-building policies include promoting the installation of energy-efficient renovations in commercial and multi-family residential buildings.

“Buildings represent 40 percent of the energy used in the United States, and many have old equipment that waste energy and money,” Senator Pryor said. “Investing in energy efficiency retrofits for industrial, commercial, and multi-family buildings can drive economic recovery by saving small businesses money, spurring construction and manufacturing, and creating hundreds of thousands of good jobs across America.”

United States Department of Energy Senior Advisor, Gil Sperling joined the discussion as part of the Clean Energy Roadshow, a multi-city, multi-state national tour that brings together diverse groups of stakeholders to share best practices for creating a sustainable market demand for clean energy technologies.

Sperling explained how Arkansas’ economy stands to benefit tremendously from a private-state-federal partnership that promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“Clean energy jobs will be the jobs of the future, whether they are focused on improving energy efficiency of our homes or building wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles,” said Gil Sperling, Senior Advisor at the Department of Energy.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the down payment for our nation’s transition to a clean energy economy. We need to leverage the combined resources of local and state governments and the private sector through partnerships like we’re building here today to get the best return on these investments.”

For example, a recent study published by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimated that energy efficiency standards alone could create up to 5,600 jobs in Arkansas.

A new study from the Consumer Federation of America found that strong energy efficiency standards could save Arkansan consumers $403 per household.

Arkansas’ private sector has no shortage of energy efficiency success stories.

Chris Callahan, President of Next Gen Illumination has promoted government policies for reducing energy demand for poultry producers in Arkansas and throughout the United States.
Next Gen Illumination’s lobbying efforts led to $1.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dedicated to energy efficiency lighting conversion for poultry growers throughout Arkansas.
In the past year, Viridian, a sustainability consulting firm specializing in advising on green building design, has moved into larger space and tripled its staff in response to its growing business.

“More and more people are beginning to understand that adopting sustainable practices just makes good financial sense. That’s why we’re here,” said Chris Ladner, co-founder of Viridian.

Viridian helped a 54,000 square-foot Harley-Davidson dealership be 30% more efficient than it otherwise would have been.

“Pairing a strong set of energy efficiency standards with a price on carbon delivers even greater savings,” added Eddy Moore, coordinator of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.

The Universities of Illinois, California and Yale University found that the combined package could generate up to 25,000 additional jobs in Arkansas, increase Arkansas’ real Gross Domestic Product by $1.2 billion and real household income by $1,230 per year (as measured in 2008 dollars).

“The fastest route to a more prosperous secure economy in Arkansas and our country is to eliminate energy waste and move to a clean energy economy,” said Moore.
The Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy is an informal network of businesses and business leaders, spanning a wide spectrum of industry and commerce.  The network supports a transition to a low-carbon clean energy economy in Arkansas and nationally. Its goal is to empower the Arkansas business community to influence public policy that helps get us there.

For more information on the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy visit: http://www.arkcleaneconomy.biz/

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UPDATE – Press Clippings

Arkansas Business
Mark Pryor Touts Arkansas as Potential Green State

Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Hurdles seen for energy program, Experts: Create call for savings

Arkansas Traveler
Business leaders discuss Ark. energy-efficient economy

KAUF (NPR affiliate)

You are invited to dinner & discussion
Please RSVP to Eddy Moore at 501-772-5426

DATE: April 1, 2010
TIME: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
LOCATION: Brinkley Convention Center, Pintail Room
1501 Weatherby Drive, Brinkley, AR

AGENDA

4:00 pm    Registration and Refreshments

4:30 pm    Welcome and Introduction
Eddy Moore – Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
Brent Bailey – 25x’25 State Alliance Facilitator

4:45 pm    Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities for Agriculture and Forestry
Ron Bell – Arkansas Association of RC&D Councils

5:15 pm    Renewable Fuel Opportunities
Dr. Greg Phillips – Arkansas State University

5:45 pm    Biopower Options and Opportunities in Arkansas
Jim Wimberly – BioEnergy Systems LLC

6:15 pm    Overview of Economic Impacts to Agriculture and Forestry
Todd Wooten – Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions

6:45 pm    BBQ Dinner

7:10 pm    Moderated Q/A with all speakers

7:30 pm    Closing Remarks and Adjourn

TUESDAY, APRIL 6th: Economic Development in Arkansas through Energy Efficiency

Keynote presentation at 9:00am from

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor and Senior Advisor to the Department of Energy, Gil Sperling with Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan

After the keynote presentation join Gill Sperling, Arkansas State Energy Office and AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy for panel discussions.

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Overcoming challenges to energy efficiency in Arkansas such as:
Untapped federal funds
Coordination between federal, state, and utility funding
Sustaining activity after Recovery Act funding

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lunch
(box lunches will be provided, please RSVP to ensure we have enough lunches)

12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  Financing construction for energy efficiency & renewable energy projects
Overview of models around the country, including PACE and Energy Improvement Districts
What works best in Arkansas?
What would work best if laws/regs are modified?

DATE: Tuesday, April 6th

START TIME: 9:00am

LOCATION: Walker Room, Fayetteville Public Library

401 W. Mountain St.

Seating is limited, please contact Eddy Moore to RSVP or call 501-772-5426