In 2009-2010, IBCEE was focused on promoting federal clean energy policy. The coverage below reflects that federal focus.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 10, 2010
CONTACT: Tina Noel, 317.709.3103
Logansport mayor, local labor leader, Indiana businesses urge Senate to get the job done on climate and energy legislation that will grow jobs in the Hoosier state
(Logansport, Ind.) — Local government, labor and business leaders from Indiana gathered in Logansport today to urge the U.S. Senate to move forward with comprehensive climate and energy policy.
These leaders were spurred to speak out about the need for national climate and energy policy, after the Senate failed to act on such legislation prior to departing for their August recess.
“One thing is clear: the Senate’s job is not done,” said Logansport Mayor Mike Fincher. “The Senate and the Obama Administration must use every opportunity available to address clean energy and climate reform by working to limit carbon pollution and invest in new clean energy sources that are made in America.”
“Building a clean energy economy — where the parts for technologies like wind and solar are built here in Indiana, where our homes are weatherized and our commercial buildings are retrofitted to be more efficient, and where we are educating the next generation of clean energy workers — will revitalize our economy, particularly in manufacturing and construction,” said Becky Hanawalt, president of Steelworkers Local 4863 in Logansport. “However, without a clear, long-term plan in place, we are missing out on a lot of these opportunities. This plan is what our Senators should be addressing.”
Recent economic analysis by leading U.S. academic institutions finds that comprehensive, forward-looking federal climate and energy policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in Indiana, increase household incomes by $1,200 and grow the state economy by $2.5 billion.
“We need strong energy and climate legislation that will create thousands of new jobs in Indiana by providing market certainty and enabling a transition to a new energy economy,” said Brandon Pitcher, creative systems officer for 5 Kingdoms Development in Kokomo and a member of Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy (IBCEE). “By sending the right market signal, Congress can unlock investments in new energy innovations and drive growth allowing business leaders to expand operations and create new jobs right here in Indiana that are currently blossoming abroad.”
“American businesses have a history of leadership and innovation but are falling behind in global competition for clean energy technologies,” said Lee Scheidler, owner of Logansport’s Springcreek Landscaping & Nursery, Inc.
“Thousands of business owners and workers recognize that unless we move quickly, we risk losing the race toward a new energy economy. With a highly skilled and educated workforce, we Hoosiers are ready to restore our technological edge in a new energy economy,” added Lee Scheidler, also owner of Springcreek Landscaping & Nursery.
A bi‐partisan poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and American Viewpoint found that 61 percent of small business owners agree that moving the country to clean energy is a way to restart the economy and help small businesses create jobs.
“For six administrations, Congress has only addressed energy policy reform through campaign speeches,” said Larry Crane, an IBCEE member who owns Crane Builders, which is involved in green building projects all over the state. “The U.S. Senate is shackled by the influence of energy corporations. We must break free of this and act to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation. We need this legislation to retain U.S. economic freedom while providing a stage for leadership and jobs in a non-combustion world.
“Future generations will benefit by having clean air, along with energy funds they control,” added Crane.
For Immediate Release
April 7, 2010
Contact: Tina Noel, 317.709.3103
Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy Calls on Senators Lugar and Bayh to
Enact Comprehensive Energy and Climate Legislation
[Indianapolis, Indiana] – Twenty-six business leaders from companies across Indiana signed a letter today urging Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh to work across state and party lines to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation.
The letter, signed by members of Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy, encourages Senators Lugar and Bayh to meet and listen to local business leaders during the State Work Period and to give “thoughtful consideration” to the pragmatic, bipartisan proposal put together by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) on comprehensive energy and climate legislation.
“Senate action is urgently needed to rebuild our economy and create 45,000 new clean energy jobs throughout our state,” said Patricia Coxon, president and co-owner of SunWind Power Systems in Floyds Knobs, which provides services and products for solar, wind and other renewable technologies.
The letter goes on to say, “Today, the United States is falling behind in the global race to lead the new clean energy economy. In order for American business to unleash a new industrial revolution in energy, we need cooperative and coordinated action in the public policy and business arenas. We are ready to compete in the global marketplace, and we urge you to act so that we can win the race for a new clean energy economy. We stand ready to work with you to build this vital and growing economic sector.”
“Energy is the largest industry, by revenue, in the world. It represents the next breakout technology sector,” said Rose Lige, chief financial officer for Gary’s Wynter Power Services, LLC, a full-service energy management company. “Clean energy technology will do for energy what IT has done for information and communications – grow jobs and spur innovation.”
Attached is the letter with logos from 26 companies showing their support for passage of comprehensive energy and climate legislation.
Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy agree that energy security and climate policies aimed at putting our country on a more secure economic path are vital to our continued prosperity. Capping carbon emissions will hasten the growth of our clean tech industries, spur innovation, drive investment, foster job creation and encourage economic growth. To learn more about IBCEE, please go to www.indianacleaneconomy.biz.
LETTER
April 7, 2010
Dear Senators Lugar and Bayh,
We are business leaders from companies of all sizes and many sectors throughout Indiana urging you to work with your colleagues and in particular with Senators Graham (R-SC), Kerry (D-MA), and Lieberman (I-CT) to craft a pragmatic, bipartisan solution to comprehensively address our energy and climate challenges. We need to address how America can create new energy jobs, cut carbon emissions and increase our energy independence. We need to address the importance of new and existing energy resources, and as businesses need certainty, we need to address it this year.
While at home during your State Work Period, we hope you will meet and listen to businesses calling for you to support this approach. Upon your return to Washington, DC, we ask that you give thoughtful consideration to their proposal on comprehensive energy and climate legislation.
Strong energy and climate legislation will create millions of new American jobs by providing market certainty and enabling a transition to a new energy economy. By sending the right market signals, Congress can unlock investments in new energy innovations and drive business growth allowing us to expand operations and create new jobs right here in Indiana.
Today, the United States is falling behind in the global race to lead the new clean energy economy. In order for American business to unleash a new industrial revolution in energy, we need cooperative and coordinated action in the public policy and business arenas. We are ready to compete in the global marketplace, and we urge you to act so that we can win the race for a new clean energy economy. We stand ready to work with you to build this vital and growing economic sector.
Now is the time to act. Together, we can lead.
Sincerely,
Local businesses push ‘green’ legislation
Group favors renewable initiatives, political activity
By Bowdeya Tweh
Posted on 20 January 2010
MUNSTER | A coalition of business owners and entrepreneurs is continuing to push for federal clean energy legislation in hope of boosting Indiana’s economy and cleaning up the environment.
Members of Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy spoke to The Times’ Editorial Board on Tuesday to outline local renewable initiatives and to say they are continuing to prod Indiana Sens. Dick Lugar, a Republican, and Evan Bayh, a Democrat, to support federal climate change legislation. The organization was formed last year.
However, region resident Mark Rudd has chosen not to wait for Congress to pass bills before working on sustainable energy projects. As president of Rudd Asset Management in Valparaiso, he’s helping build or implement renewable energy generation systems in Indiana and New Jersey and leads energy-efficiency efforts at power plants.
Rudd said Americans have typically been blind to energy-generation resources available in the country such as wood waste, landfill gas or natural gas. But if current trends continue, he said energy costs in Indiana and the nation will increase whether green energy efforts are implemented or not.
“If you think the cost of energy is too high, try (having) an energy shortage,” Rudd said.
No one power generation source will be the answer to America’s need for energy, but instead a “quilt” of different sources such as wind, solar and hydropower will help lessen the need for oil from foreign countries, Rudd said.
Raymond Kasmark, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, said creating sound public policies can drive consumer demand and private investment in renewable energy development. But he also said climate change rules need to be adopted globally to not put domestic energy producers at a competitive disadvantage.
On a local level, Tracy Hall, a Local 697 electrician and president of Sunwired LLC, conceded one problem homeowners have with going green is the worry about the high expense of buying and installing equipment.
Hall, who installs photovoltaic systems, said money spent on switching from incandescent lightbulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs among other repairs can pay dividends long term and reduce a homeowner’s energy footprint.
Homeowners aren’t the only ones who need to be educated on green technologies, Hall said. He said efforts need to continue to educate municipal and state officials to create policies that spur renewable energy development.
http://nwitimes.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e4a9d70f-ef48-57af-bec3-f6d705c87917.html
Delaying action would be expensive
By Steve Tolen and Mac Williams
Posted on 3 January 2010
Standing tall on the world stage, America closed out 2009 by pushing for a meaningful climate agreement in Copenhagen. The U.S. delegation supported targets and timetables for greenhouse gas reduction, sending crucial signals to both domestic and global markets that help provide the necessary incentives to move the U.S. away from traditional fossil fuels.
This was an important step toward staving off the worst effects of climate change and growing millions of clean-energy jobs in America. Next up on the agenda is federal legislation that is equally important.
In 2009, the U.S. House passed a bill that would cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide a boost to companies like ours that are involved in the development, production, system integration, marketing and deployment of clean energy. Then, the Obama administration, through proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules, made clear the economic and environmental urgency of transitioning to a clean-energy future.
While we applaud the administration for moving forward, we believe federal legislation will provide much-needed certainty for potential clean-energy investors, as well as a more comprehensive and flexible approach than the proposed EPA regulations.
It’s now up to the Senate to examine these issues and put together a bill that will protect the health of our children and grandchildren, as well as the livelihoods of Hoosier farmers, and create new jobs when our state is in dire need of them.
Indiana is well-positioned to benefit from such federal legislation. A study recently conducted by the University of Illinois, Yale University and the University of California found that national energy and climate policies will create jobs, consumer savings and economic growth for our state.
In a purely competitive sense, China is leading the world in the race to provide clean-energy sources. It’s spending $12.6 million every hour on such investments. Only six of the top 30 wind, solar and advanced-battery technologies are American.
We should not underestimate the power of American ingenuity and innovation. Most grim cost projections by industry over the centuries — the cost of seat belts, airbags, catalytic converters and power plant air scrubbers, for example — were wildly overestimated. When finally mandated, industry met regulations for far less cost, and found that innovation made them more profitable.
When it comes to climate change and energy legislation, the most expensive thing we can do is nothing. The second-most expensive thing we can do is delay taking action. Indiana agriculture, tourism and other vital interests are at stake. What industry needs now is certainty, and the sooner industry can plan for the future, the sooner it can get on with the business of innovation.
As Indiana business leaders we have a vested interest in the economic health of our state. As entrepreneurs, we have our fingers on the pulse of the state’s economic future. The Obama administration is rightfully pushing for action on global warming, and we are hopeful that the U.S. Senate — including Indiana Sens. Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh — will join the president in supporting federal legislation that will clean up our environment and grow jobs at the same time.
Tolen and Williams represent Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy.
Clean-energy legislation will benefit Hoosiers
By David Mann and Eric Cotton
Posted on 27 November 2009
When asked once why he was so good, legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky replied, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”
In the future, our world will be powered by clean sources of energy. The question is, will we urgently strive to become a leader in the largest industrial transformation of this century, or will we continue to fall behind and accept the economic consequences of delay? In Indiana and the rest of the United States, we must forge ahead or be permanently left behind. We must skate to where the puck is going to be.
A recent analysis from the University of California, University of Illinois and Yale University concludes that strong federal climate and energy policy would create up to 45,000 jobs in Indiana over the next 10 years and grow the state economy by up to $2.5 billion. These economic gains, they assert, are beyond any growth that Indiana would experience in the absence of such strong policy. The transition to new, job-creating energy industries powers much of this growth.
In fact, the report found that the stronger the legislation, the greater the economic reward here in Indiana.
Increasing public awareness and concern for the environment and desire for a clean, affordable solution to rising energy costs have driven our solar business to steady increases over the past two years, and we anticipate that these increases will continue. We are poised to add to our workforce of skilled solar installers soon. Energy legislation that provides incentives for clean-energy resources and caps carbon emissions will drive the innovation that is the key to making businesses like ours successful.
Over the last few years fossil fuel prices have fluctuated dramatically. In 2008, oil prices spiked to $140 a barrel, resulting in $4-a-gallon gasoline prices. Also in 2008, coal prices spiked, with the benchmark Central Appalachian coal hitting $175 per short ton. The economic downturn has caused those prices to come down, but they remain high and will likely climb again once the economy recovers.
Energy legislation that motivates the development of availability of clean-energy resources, as well as caps carbon emissions, will drive the demand that will support our continued growth and enable us to create hundreds of new jobs over the next three years.
Often overlooked, energy efficiency helps consumers reduce their energy use while maintaining their lifestyle and saving money. The money not wasted on energy essentially puts billions of dollars back into the largest driver of our economy – consumer spending. Put differently, money saved by not consuming energy is money that can be spent on goods and services in Indiana.
Beyond the economic risks of remaining dependent on fossil fuels, we must also consider the national security implications. Recently, a blue-ribbon panel of three- and four-star retired U.S. admirals and generals issued a report that found America’s current energy posture constitutes a serious and urgent threat to national security – militarily, diplomatically and economically. They insist that the converging risks of all fossil fuels – not just foreign oil – require moving to clean-energy sources. Beyond the concern that we ship billions of dollars to nations hostile to our interest, they warn, increasing demand for – and dwindling supplies of – fossil fuels will lead to greater instability around the world, including many of the places worst hit by climate change.
Strong energy and climate legislation will create jobs, break the cycle of oil dependence and repower America with clean, home-grown energy. We’re looking to our senators, Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh, for their strong support for a clean-energy economy. We urge them to work with Senate leaders to strengthen this critical legislation and put it on the president’s desk as soon as possible. Let’s get America running on clean energy.
David Mann, president of Mann Plumbing Solar Energy, and Eric Cotton, president of ECI Wind and Solar, are members of Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy. They wrote this for Indiana newspapers.
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20091127/EDIT05/311279996/1021/EDIT
(or download story here)
Indiana’s farmers support energy action
America’s family farmers and ranchers have a unique role to play when it comes to combating global climate change. Congressman Baron Hill understands that and I thank him for his vote in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. As President Barack Obama said about the legislation’s passage, it is a “bold and necessary step.”
Farmers Union supports a national, mandatory carbon emission cap-and-trade system to reduce nonfarm greenhouse gas emissions. As an energy-intensive industry, we know that doing so will result in increased production costs. However, the flexible agricultural offset program within the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 will allow producers to mitigate some of these increased costs by adopting environmentally friendly practices. This will allow American farmers and ranchers to continue to provide consumers with the most affordable and abundant food supply in the world.
Failing to pass climate change legislation is not an option. Without congressional action, the Environmental Protection Agency is poised to act. This regulatory action would mean the positive provisions within the legislation would be lost.
Jim Benham
President, Indiana Farmers Union
Versailles
http://www.indy.com/posts/indiana-s-farmers-support-energy-action
Clean Energy Group Unveils New Jobs Report
Posted on 27 October 2009
A Senate committee today opens hearings on climate change legislation. The proposal favors a cap-and-trade system and is more ambitious than the House bill when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A group called Indiana Businesses for Clean Energy has released a study that suggests a strong federal climate change policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in Indiana. Opponents of the climate change bill passed by the House say it would lead to higher energy costs and force some businesses to shutdown.
[Indianapolis, IN]: On the eve of U.S. Senate deliberations on clean energy and climate legislation, Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy released a new economic analysis that finds the strongest federal policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in the Hoosier state, while increasing incomes by $1,200 and growing the state economy by $2.5 billon.
The new study, Clean Energy and Climate Policy for US Growth and Job Creation: An Economic Assessment of the American Clean Energy and Security Act and the
Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, is being co-released with E2, national investor coalition Ceres and the Clean Economy Network, and was conducted by the University of California in collaboration with University of Illinois and Yale University. It provides an in-depth, state-by-state examination of the impacts of three pillars of federal legislation: energy efficiency, renewable energy and limits on carbon pollution.
“This report shows that the stronger the federal energy and climate policies, the more Indiana stands to gain economically,” Mark Wagner, Vice President for Government Relations at Johnson Controls. “Those who say we cannot afford to take action now do not understand the opportunity we stand to lose by not acting. There is an emerging multibillion dollar global clean energy market and Indiana is poised to capture its leading edge.”
Using EAGLE, a new state-of-the-art forecasting model, the study conducts a detailed economic assessment of climate and energy policies currently under consideration in Congress on the economy in Indiana. The study models both moderate and aggressive implementation of policies that create a market-based program to reduce carbon emissions, set strong standards and incentives for investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Indiana findings include:
- Aggressive policy implementation results in greater economic and job growth in Indiana by 2020 than moderate or no implementation
- The strongest policies could generate up to 45,000 additional jobs in the Hoosier state, increase Indiana’s real Gross Domestic Product by $2.5 billion and real household income by $1,200 per year (as measured in 2008 dollars) by 2020
- Even moderate implementation drives economic growth in Indiana, generating $900 million GDP and nearly $500 in household income growth
- The more carbon-dependent state economies have more to gain from climate action, assuming they adopt balanced policies that combine all three pillars (energy efficiency, renewable energy and carbon pollution limits)
According to the study, the legislation would create between 918,000 and 1.9 million new jobs nationally, increase annual household income by $487-$1,175 per year, and boost GDP by $39 billion-$111 billion by 2020.
These gains are over and above business-as-usual economic growth.
Global commercial real-estate services company Jones Lang LaSalle, which employs 150 people in Indiana and manages properties across the state for major state-based clients such as Eli Lilly, sees the value in clean energy investments.
“We believe that strong federal policy in favor of energy efficiency and clean energy produces financial as well as environmental benefits,” said Herman Bulls, CEO of Public Institutions at Jones Lang LaSalle. “This analysis reinforces our experience that energy policy will have a net positive effect on American business by creating jobs and reducing the impact of future energy price shocks on our economy.”
Results from the EAGLE study are consistent with projections by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Congressional Budget Office, and the Department of Energy – all of which show substantial economic benefits from more efficient energy use.
“Improving energy efficiency cuts costs for transportation, heating, cooling and other energy demands,” commented David Roland-Host, author of the analysis. “Money saved on energy puts dollars back in household bank accounts, and gives consumers the freedom to spend on things they want. This spending represents 70 percent of Gross State Product, so it represents potent growth and job stimulus for the Indiana economy.”
About the study
The Environmental Assessment in General Equilibrium (EAGLE) model was developed at the University of California in collaboration with the University of Illinois and Yale University. It details patterns of supply, demand, employment, incomes, resource allocation, energy use, and emissions across the nation and within each of the 50 United States. Using a general equilibrium framework, the model captures both direct impacts and the extensive economy-wide indirect effects of climate and energy policies. The EAGLE model has been peer reviewed and technical documentation is available on request. An executive summary of the study can be found here.
###
About us: Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy is a coalition of business owners, managers, entrepreneurs and investors who recognize the economic value of setting a national cap on carbon emissions. IBCEE supports meeting emission reduction goals through energy efficiency, technology innovation and a diverse energy supply. Recognizing the severe economic risks related to climate change, the coalition is seeking immediate action to mitigate these risks.
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?id=38402
(Gary Post-Tribune)
Cap-and-trade legislation could help Hoosiers gain jobs
Posted on 27 October 2009
By Gitte Laasby
Indiana could gain between 22,000 and 45,000 jobs and increase household income by $476 to $1,219 by 2020 if Congress passes cap-and-trade legislation and encourages renewable energy and energy efficiency.
That’s the major conclusion in a report released Monday by Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy.
The study also states that Indiana’s gross domestic product would increase between $900 million and $2.5 billion between 2010 and 2020. All numbers are compared to the expected growth in Indiana without “green” legislation.
The more conservative numbers are based on requirements in the U.S. House version of a cap-and-trade bill.
The higher numbers are a best-case scenario under more aggressive standards.
For Northwest Indiana, most of the jobs created would be in manufacturing, said author of the study, professor David Roland-Holst of the College of Natural Resources at University of California, Berkeley.
He said increasing energy efficiency in appliances and cars and increasing demand for manufacturing products for renewable energy equipment could lead to a “reindustrialization” in Northwest Indiana.
“In Indiana, there’s a substantial job growth in manufacturing,” he said. “We’ve got about half of job creation in metals, vehicles. We’re not going to give up cars, we’re going to get new cars.”
The report is based on what the authors call a “state-of-the-art forecasting model” that takes into account several factors, including the price of carbon under a federal market-based system to limit emissions and changes in energy requirements of buildings and appliances.
The report comes as a U.S. Senate panel is scheduled to start hearings today on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The bill contains similar policies to those advocated in the study.
Opponents of the cap-and-trade bill cite concerns over higher electricity bills and costs of increasing energy efficiency.
The report points out that the economic impact on states more dependent on fossil fuels and energy-intensive industries “will depend on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of carbon capture and storage …, the timing of shifts to alternative energy sources, and the effects of a range of energy and climate policies on fossil fuel prices.”
http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=304&ArticleID=50639
Coalition of Indiana Business Supporting Clean Energy Bill
Posted on 26 October 2009
By Don Riley, Network Indiana
On the eve of U.S. Senate deliberations on clean energy and climate legislation, Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy released a new economic study that finds the strongest federal policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in the Hoosier state by 2020.
The analysis also shows household incomes would increase $1,200 due to savings on energy costs, and the state economy would grow by $2.5 billion.
David Roland-Holst, a professor of economics at the University of California, is the co-author of the report. He says aggressive clean energy policy implementation will result in greater economic and job growth in Indiana than moderate or no implementation.
Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy is a coalition of business advocates for setting a national cap on carbon emissions.
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1155571
Federal policy creates Ind. jobs
Posted on 2 November 2009
By Zeynep Altinay
The strongest federal policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in Indiana, increasing incomes by $1,200 and growing the state economy by $2.5 billion, according to a press release by Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy.
The study, led by the University of California, examined the long-term economic impacts of climate legislation on the U.S. economy.
According to the study, the United States can gain up to 1.9 million jobs and increase the household income by $487 to $1,175 per year by 2020 through energy conservation, renewable energy and limits on carbon pollution.
The new economic analysis came prior to the U.S. Senate deliberations on clean energy and international climate change negotiations, which will be held in Copenhagen in December.
Tina Noel, representative for IBCEE, said Indiana can become a leader in clean job creation, and such clean jobs can involve making wind turbine parts in Indiana versus buying them overseas.
“Wind power, solar power, geothermal energy will have extraordinarily positive impact on Indiana’s economy,” Noel said.
The study is an economic assessment of the American Clean Energy and Security Act and the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The ACES, which was approved on June 26, focuses on a cap-and-trade global warming reduction plan and a transition to a clean-energy economy.
Senate committee hearings started this week on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, which was introduced in the Senate on Sept. 30 by Senators John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. The bill aims to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent by 2050 from 2005’s levels.
Jesse Kharbanda, the executive director for the Hoosier Environmental Council, said the major criticism for the bill is that it will drive up consumers’ energy bills. However, he said the actual numbers are reasonable prices to pay when the country as a whole is facing a number of different challenges, including dealing with energy security, revitalization of manufacturing and mitigating impacts of global warming.
“Indiana is very well positioned to attract clean energy jobs,” Kharbanda said.
Devin Hartman, a graduate student at SPEA, said sometimes studies do not emphasize the reduction of jobs in other areas.
He said it is important to consider the net effect of the economy when conducting these kinds of studies.
“Creating green jobs will also cause loss of dirty jobs,” Hartman said.
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=71584
Strong Clean Energy Policies Will Grow Economy and Create 45,000 Jobs in Indiana
Posted on 26 October 2009
Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy Release New Jobs Report Day
Before Senate Hearings Start
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of U.S. Senate deliberations on clean energy and climate legislation, Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy released a new economic analysis that finds the strongest federal policy could create up to 45,000 jobs in the Hoosier state, while increasing incomes by $1,200 and growing the state economy by $2.5 billion.
The new study, Clean Energy and Climate Policy for US Growth and Job Creation: An Economic Assessment of the American Clean Energy and Security Act and the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, is being co-released with E2, national investor coalition Ceres and the Clean Economy Network, and was conducted by the University of California in collaboration with University of Illinois and Yale University. It provides an in-depth, state-by-state examination of the impacts of three pillars of federal legislation: energy efficiency, renewable energy and limits on carbon pollution.
“As this report shows, strong, comprehensive climate and energy efficiency policies will stimulate job creation in a clean energy economy,” said Mark Wagner, VP for Government Relations at Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions that employs 660 people in Indiana.
“Increased demand for energy efficient buildings, vehicles, products and services will create new jobs in Indiana and throughout the country,” Wagner continued. “Energy efficiency represents the fastest, cleanest and most cost effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and we need to take action now.”
Using EAGLE, a new state-of-the-art forecasting model, the study conducts a detailed economic assessment of climate and energy policies currently under consideration in Congress on the economy in Indiana. The study models both moderate and aggressive implementation of policies that create a market-based program to reduce carbon emissions, set strong standards and incentives for investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Indiana findings include:
– Aggressive policy implementation results in greater economic and job growth in Indiana by 2020 than moderate or no implementation
– The strongest policies could generate up to 45,000 additional jobs in the Hoosier state, increase Indiana’s real Gross Domestic Product by $2.5 billion and real household income by $1,200 per year (as measured in 2008 dollars) by 2020
– Even moderate implementation drives economic growth in Indiana, generating $900 million GDP and nearly $500 in household income growth
– The more carbon-dependent state economies have more to gain from climate action, assuming they adopt balanced policies that combine all three pillars (energy efficiency, renewable energy and carbon pollution limits)
According to the study, the legislation would create between 918,000 and 1.9 million new jobs nationally, increase annual household income by $487-$1,175 per year, and boost GDP by $39 billion-$111 billion by 2020.
These gains are over and above business-as-usual economic growth.
Global commercial real-estate services company Jones Lang LaSalle, which employs 150 people in Indiana and manages properties across the state for major state-based clients such as Eli Lilly, sees the value in clean energy investments.
“We believe that strong federal policy in favor of energy efficiency and clean energy produces financial as well as environmental benefits,” said Herman Bulls, CEO of Public Institutions at Jones Lang LaSalle. “This analysis reinforces our experience that energy policy will have a net positive effect on American business by creating jobs and reducing the impact of future energy price shocks on our economy.”
Results from the EAGLE study are consistent with projections by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Congressional Budget Office, and the Department of Energy – all of which show substantial economic benefits from more efficient energy use.
“Improving energy efficiency cuts costs for transportation, heating, cooling and other energy demands,” commented David Roland-Host, author of the analysis. “Money saved on energy puts dollars back in household bank accounts, and gives consumers the freedom to spend on things they want. This spending represents 70% of Gross State Product, so it represents potent growth and job stimulus for the Indiana economy.”
About the study
The Environmental Assessment in General Equilibrium (EAGLE) model was developed at the University of California in collaboration with the University of Illinois and Yale University. It details patterns of supply, demand, employment, incomes, resource allocation, energy use, and emissions across the nation and within each of the 50 United States. Using a general equilibrium framework, the model captures both direct impacts and the extensive economy-wide indirect effects of climate and energy policies. The EAGLE model has been peer reviewed and technical documentation is available on request. An executive summary of the study can be found here.
About us: Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy is a coalition of business owners, managers, entrepreneurs and investors who recognize the economic value of setting a national cap on carbon emissions. IBCEE supports meeting emission reduction goals through energy efficiency, technology innovation and a diverse energy supply. Recognizing the severe economic risks related to climate change, the coalition is seeking immediate action to mitigate these risks.
For more information, please contact:
Tina Noel, Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy, 317.709.3103 or
tinanoelpublicrelations@yahoo.com.
Please visit: www.indianacleaneconomy.biz
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