U.S., N.C. should aim to be 'first in clean energy'

U.S., N.C. should aim to be 'first in clean energy'

By Glenn Mauney and Maria Kingery
Special to the Observer
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 24, 2010

It's time to secure our future. The oil that spilled into the Gulf of Mexico has become a frightening, constant reminder of the inefficiencies in current U.S. energy policies. Over-dependence on oil has coastal economies in the Southeast reeling and once-vibrant ecosystems languishing. Meanwhile, our faith that another disaster can be prevented is shaken. Our energy future, though, does not have to be more of the same.

Right now, we have a choice - continue on with business as usual, wasting non-renewable fuels at an unsustainable pace, or start investing for our future prosperity. President Barack Obama presented his vision to transition the nation to a clean energy economy, and last summer the House of Representatives took a good first step by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The Senate was poised to act on a range of proposals to create jobs and improve America's international competitiveness. [Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday he plans to bring up a narrower energy bill for a vote next week.] A key part in all of this is a vital need to protect our natural heritage by forever changing how we acquire and use energy in this country.

Smarter ways to meet demand

Choosing the easy, business as usual path, we risk irrelevancy, and will miss our opportunity to be leaders in the clean energy economy. Last year China invested $34.6 billion, equal to $3.9 million/hour on renewable energy. China sees that the future belongs to those who find smarter ways to meet the world's ever-growing demand for energy. Failure to update current U.S. policy regulating energy and its use jeopardizes our position of world leadership and places our businesses at a significant disadvantage in the global economy.

The transition to a clean energy economy will not happen overnight, nor will it be cheap or easy in the short term. It will require hard work and an unshakable commitment from our leaders. But the minimal initial costs of this vision are far outweighed by the long-term benefits. An efficient, clean energy economy can stimulate new jobs while saving businesses and

homeowners money now, when they need it most. With unemployment hovering at 10 percent, North Carolinians need a plan creating new jobs through clean, efficient energy sources.

A recent report showed significant investments in energy efficiency technologies will lead to 38,000 new jobs and produce a net savings of $3.6 billion - in North Carolina alone. Clean energy investments will strengthen N.C. businesses, saving dollars in energy budgets. A 2010 study by Navigant Consulting found that a national Renewable Electricity Standard of 25 percent by 2025 would result in 274,000 more jobs.

Clear national goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy will save N.C. consumers through smaller power bills and create good jobs that can't be shipped overseas. Essential to this initiative's success is a workable, legal framework that reduces emissions. Doing so gives businesses the predictable market conditions needed for robust economic development. More efficient, clean energy projects will lead to meaningful reductions in pollution, lower energy costs and more jobs.

Last summer a family visit to the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk brought some clarity to this discussion. In just 100 short years, as a result of the courage and determination of Orville and Wilbur Wright, we've not just flown, we've traveled to the moon and back. And it all began with two people who made North Carolina "first in flight."

Wright brothers had it right

These visionary brothers were scoffed at, and warned against attempting the impossible. We already have the solutions to our energy challenges. North Carolina has all the resources we need to look past the naysayers and be "first in flight" in the clean energy economy.

President Obama said "the nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy." The Senate still has an opportunity to make sure America is that nation. But time is short. Other nations are already making bold strides to be that leader.

N.C. Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan can help ensure that the United States and North Carolina are positioned as leaders by supporting comprehensive energy and climate legislation. That legislation will enable us to become "first in clean energy," and ensure that our next century will be as prosperous as our last.

Glenn Mauney is the Carolinas Energy Policy Manager for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy based in Charlotte. Maria Kingery is a co-founder of Southern Energy Management, based in Raleigh and North Carolina's largest sustainable energy company.