Popular Chamber Event Focuses on Economics of Wind, Solar Energy

Clean energy projects—including wind and solar—have brought some of the best economic news to the rural northeastern region of North Carolina in many years.

But local chamber leaders know that not everyone understands what a great economic story clean energy is.

That’s why Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, decided to host an event to educate county commissioners, business leaders, landowners and others about it.

“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and the economic development boost from clean energy development creates revenue and jobs that help us do that in ways that enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Bass.

The event, which attracted more than 60 attendees, was organized by the Currituck Chamber, Currituck Cooperative Extension, the Currituck Republican and Democratic Parties, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“There has been a nearly $20 billion economic impact from clean energy projects in North Carolina since 2007,” said Jennifer Behr from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. And many of these benefits are going to economically challenged rural communities.

Currituck County will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue alone from the local SunEnergy1 Solar Farm project. The state’s first utility-scale wind farm, the $400 million Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already the largest taxpayer in Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties.

Read more in the Daily Advance.