More than 100 renewable energy and associated Vermont businesses urge legislative action

Demonstrating the size and diversity of Vermont's renewable energy economy, more than 100 businesses that work in the renewable energy industry are urging legislative action before the session closes on a package of clean energy legislation.

In a letter led by Renewable Energy Vermont to Governor Peter Shumlin, Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, and lawmakers, the businesses urged passage of five House-passed, bipartisan bills, stating that "our industry is growing and it is strong," but "to remain competitive, we need to continue to foster a strong local industry."

The letter continued, "Vermont has worked hard to develop our in-state, clean energy economy. Now is not the time to let this effort slide, letting the wave of the future move on to other states and countries. Predictability and pro-growth policies are vital to our continued success."

Large renewable energy companies such as groSolar, Northern Power Systems, AllEarth Renewables, Sunward Systems, Draker Laboratories, and NRG Systems collectively employ hundreds of Vermonters directly.  But the letter also included dozens of small, medium and large businesses that derive work from Vermont's clean tech industry, including local installers from all corners of the state, large construction companies such as J.A. Morrissey Inc. and Engineers Construction Inc. (ECI), electrical companies, contracting companies, developers, and design and marketing firms.

"The wide appeal for legislative progress demonstrates the depth and breadth of Vermont's renewable energy economy.  Everyday our business works with dozens of other Vermont businesses.  When we are busy, they are busy.  But we need to have pro-growth policies in Vermont that make this economic activity possible," said Brett Pingree of Northern Power Systems in Barre.

Vermont recently ranked number one in the nation for "green jobs," but industry experts say that study misses thousands of businesses engaged in the state's renewable energy economy.

"Vermont would do well to look just across its borders and see the growth and job creation from other states' pro-renewable energy policies.  We can't take our in-state industry for granted," said Ben Gordesky of DC Energy Innovations in North Hero. "The best part of our industry is that not only do we create good jobs, we also make available to Vermonters clean, renewable energy for decades to come."

The text of the full letter and signers is here:

An Open Letter to Vermont Elected Officials

Dear Vermont Leaders,

As renewable energy businesses and businesses that derive work from the renewable energy sector, we ask for your attention to energy legislation before the end of the session.

Our industry is growing and it is strong.  Vermont just dropped below 5% in unemployment, with a hefty portion of that being green jobs. Vermont has worked hard to develop our in-state, clean energy economy.  Now is not the time to let this effort slide, letting the wave of the future move on to other states and countries. Predictability and pro-growth policies are vital to our continued success.  To remain competitive, we need to continue to foster a strong local industry.

Before this legislative session ends, please ensure passage of:

·         House passed net metering bill (H. 475)

·         House passed Property Tax Certainty for State and Renewables Developers and Customers (H. 679)

·         House passed CEDF funding (H. 782)

·         Senate passed streamlined permitting for small existing hydro (S. 148)

·         House passed “Energy Bill” (H. 468)

We recognize how busy this time of year is.  Please: ensure that Vermont continues to build towards our collective future of locally-made, clean energy.

Thank you for your consideration,

About Renewable Energy Vermont (REV), www.revermont.org

REV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing nearly 300 businesses, individuals, colleges and others committed to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and expanding the availability of renewable sources of energy in Vermont. REV works as the only advocacy organization dedicated solely to advancing renewable energy and efficiency in the state.

ReVermont 4.24.2012