For Immediate Release:
September 20, 2010

Little Rock, Ark. – As the U.S. Senate returns from its August break, Arkansas business leaders are reminding our representatives in Washington that comprehensive climate and energy legislation remains unfinished business.  Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy representing about 100 business leaders from across the state, has sent a letter to Senators Lincoln and Pryor urging them to pass energy and climate legislation that would create 21st century jobs and allow America’s businesses to compete in the multi-trillion dollar international clean energy economy.

“This summer, American businesses and jobs came in second to political gamesmanship.  As autumn begins, the Senate must turn over a new leaf,” said Ken Smith, director, Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.  “It’s not too late for America to capitalize on the next great economic boom. We can lead the world toward a more sustainable, profitable, and stable economic future, powered by clean energy that can never run out, and that is produced right here in the United States by American workers with American-made technology.”

“Senate action would level the playing field with fossil fuels and our international clean energy competition,” said Tami Hornbeck of Hornbeck Agriculture, a member of Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy. “Every day we wait, the United States falls $260 million further behind the rest of the world in clean energy investment — and Americans lose out on more of the 1.9 million jobs that would be created by a strong energy bill.”

An Ernst and Young study released during the August recess finds that China has now overtaken the United States as the most attractive market for investment in renewable energy. Arkansas business leaders are calling on Congress to reverse that decline.

“Before they again recess to focus on November elections, we need Senators Lincoln and Pryor to move the American economy to the front of the legislative line and pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that provides clear market signals for businesses and investors by pricing carbon emissions,” said Smith.

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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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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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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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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2010

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

(Little Rock, Ark)-Four Arkansas businesses in the wind and advanced-battery industries netted over $30 million of a $2.3 billion clean energy manufacturing tax credit in the Federal economic stimulus legislation this week. The significant size of tax credits awarded to Arkansas businesses provides a clear indicator of the strength of the state’s clean energy economy and that comprehensive federal climate and energy policies will further grow Arkansas’ economy, according to the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy.

“Arkansas represents a little under 1% of the US population but we received at least 1.5% of the clean energy tax credits during the first round of funding,” said Eddy Moore, coordinator of the Arkansas Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy. “This is another indication that Arkansas is strongly positioned to benefit from the shift to a lower-carbon economy.”

Nordex, the Jonesboro windmill turbine manufacturer, garnered one of the twenty largest awards in the nation-a $22 million in support for its new manufacturing facility. Nearby American Railcar Industries, with manufacturing facilities in Paragould and Marmaduke, received over $3.6 million to re-equip a railcar plant so that it can produce the huge towers needed for large-scale windmills. Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas was approved for $5.1 million to help construct a new windmill nacelle manufacturing facility. Also, Little Rock’s Porocel Industries, LLC, received $2.9 million in credits to construct a new facility to supply the battery industry.

“Arkansas’ economy is already benefiting from investment in renewable energy technology, and putting a price on carbon will help Arkansas capture an even bigger slice of what will become a multibillion-dollar industry,” added Moore.

A recent study conducted by a consortium of economists at three leading universities found The strongest 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.

Webster University energy and labor market economist Jim Metzger adds, “the synergies between labor markets that develop as a result of building our clean energy economy may increase the [economic] benefits in the long-term. A national commitment to grow our clean energy economy would make our entire workforce available for new, green jobs.”

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 AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy visit: http://www.arkcleaneconomy.biz/
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