Conservation Law Foundation Statement on Connecticut’s New Renewable Energy Laws
CONTACT:
Karen Wood, CLF, (617) 850-1722
BOSTON, MA July 9, 2013 – In response to a major new energy announcement on Monday, which included the signing of an “energy strategy” law, by Connecticut governor, Dannel Malloy, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement from Seth Kaplan, VP of Policy and Climate Advocacy:
“Connecticut has taken a big step forward to reduce air pollution and inject its economy with a boost from renewable energy,” said Seth Kaplan, VP of Policy and Climate Advocacy for Conservation Law Foundation. “Thanks to the state’s large-scale purchase of energy from wind and solar power projects, announced yesterday, Connecticut residents will benefit from cleaner air, more stable energy prices and new, green jobs. This initiative allows Connecticut to join with Massachusetts to purchase energy ‘in bulk’ and have each state recognize the considerable economic benefits of regional collaboration. Connecticut’s purchase seeks to bring under contract wind power capable of producing over 500 Megawatts of electricity – which means that during peak wind conditions those wind farms will be producing more power than the mammoth and obsolete oil and coal power plants that blight the waterfronts of Bridgeport and Norwalk.”
Kaplan cautioned that the renewable energy law which enables the purchase contains potential pitfalls alongside its promise of new wind and solar development, especially as regarding imports of large hydropower from Canada. He continued, “If implemented correctly, the renewable energy purchase will ensure that hydropower imports will complement rather than inhibit homegrown wind and solar development. CLF is proud to have played a role in moving the renewable energy purchase forward and reducing the risk that imported hydropower would be used inappropriately. We look forward to working to ensure that this balance is maintained with imported hydropower playing an important supporting role behind wind and solar power while displacing fossil fuel fired power generation.”
Regarding the Energy Strategy law signed Monday, Kaplan added, “Connecticut is taking critical steps toward reaping the benefits of energy efficiency, our strongest, best and most widely available renewable resource. We are cautiously optimistic that the State can create the much-needed jobs and consumer savings it seeks by ramping up the state’s electricity and natural gas efficiency programs, rather than rushing to build costly and unnecessary new natural gas infrastructure. Connecticut is moving to foster some great infrastructure, like charging stations for electric vehicles, but is also taking some very questionable steps towards building new natural gas pipes that will last for decades – long after we will have had to kick the fossil fuel habit if we are going to avert climate disaster.”
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. Using the law, science and the market, CLF creates solutions that preserve natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy region-wide. Founded in1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
