Bank of America CEO Speaks on the Advancement of a Clean Energy Economy at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference

The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Mackinac Policy Conference from May 30 to June 2 on Mackinac Island. This year’s conference focused on “the Power of &” which created dialogue among speakers and participants on why Michigan should be focused on an “and” approach, opposed to an “either or” when it comes to policy solutions. This sparked healthy and productive conversations and showed that the “Power of &” can bring polarizing sides closer to a middle ground. Keynote speaker, Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America Corporation, discussed the transition to a cleaner energy future and supported capitalism, saying the “only hope” to accomplish sustainability and carbon-reduction goals is for businesses to bridge the gap that charities, government, and individuals can’t afford: "Capitalism isn't the only system that can do this; it's really the only hope to accomplish these things." Moynihan praised the Inflation Reduction Act and the opportunities it brings to states like Michigan, such as funds to purchase electric buses and fast track permitting on new infrastructure construction.  Bank of America, with a net income of $26 billion in 2022, has committed $1 trillion for the energy transition over 10 years. Businesses will be encouraged, and frankly, pushed to move towards a clean energy economy, regardless of their stance on climate change, carbon reduction, or clean energy. "We need to help the transition take place for our clients or customers," Moynihan said. "Can we improve how it's done? One hundred percent, but right now, we need it to survive. So, the idea is how do you have that but make progress? And that comes down to having plans and having commitments, and so, the net-zero commitment by countries, by businesses, by sectors, by states, cities and towns covers a large portion of the economy in the world, 95%."

If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.

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Excellence in Clean Energy Leadership: Top Ten Chamber Stories of 2021

MA Speaker Mariano Unveils Plans to Invest Big in the Offshore Wind Industry at Boston Chamber Event

Massachusetts House Speaker, Ron Mariano, unveiled a plan to make major financial investments that will turn the South Coast into “a hub of wind energy for the region” at a recent virtual event with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speaker Marino added that the House plans to give $10 million to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to prioritize job training programs that prepare workers for offshore wind construction.  Read the full CIA

OH Chambers and ED Oppose State Efforts to Thwart Massive Solar Investment

Ohio now has an opportunity to capture more than $18 billion of investment from utility scale solar developments. If realized, that would land Ohio as the state with the 3rd highest solar investment pipeline.  Additionally, according to a recent survey, a clear majority of Ohio voters support solar development and welcome it in their community.  Read the full CIA

Tampa Bay Chamber VP of Advocacy Writes Op-Ed on Importance of Clean Energy in the Business Community

Clean energy and resilience have become integral measures of a region’s overall competitiveness. That’s a key reason for The Tampa Bay Chamber’s decision to include goals in its policy platform to advance them both and to engage the business community in supporting local action surrounding these priorities that are flexible, predictable, and durable. Read the full CIA

Chamber, Businesses, and City Leaders Prioritize Arizona's Needs for Federal Infrastructure Investment

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, in partnership with Arizona Forward and the City of Tempe Office of Sustainability, led a three part series of workshops in June with Arizona business and community leaders. The workshops provided a forum for candid and detailed discussions with congressional staff about the priorities for Arizona regarding infrastructure needs, especially as they relate to clean energy and sustainability investments.  Read the full CIA

Senator Tillis, NC Chambers, and Industry Leaders Drive Home Leadership Opportunities in EV Innovation

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina chambers of commerce, economic development executives, and industry leaders gathered for a dialogue on what’s at stake for the state’s electrification industry. “It is exciting to see the progress we’re making in the area of renewable energy, and to see the opportunities that we have in the United States to be an innovator and a leader particularly when talking about medium to heavy duty electric vehicles,” said Senator Tillis.  Read the full CIA

How to Navigate and Lead in Clean Energy and Climate Discussions

Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations are claiming their seat at the table when it comes to clean energy policy, resilience, and climate discussions. Clean energy and climate are everyday conversations in the business and policy world. With solar and wind energy becoming the cheapest form of new electric generation, and 70 percent of Fortune 100 companies setting clean energy goals, the transition to sustainable energy is undeniable. Read the full CIA

Ohio Chambers Tour North America's Largest Solar Manufacturer and Discuss the Future of Solar in their Communities

In light of $18 billion economic investment on the line in the state with utility scale solar development, Ohio chamber of commerce and economic development leaders are eager to learn how they can support this opportunity in their counties. Many of these chamber leaders and other economic leaders gathered recently at First Solar in Perrysburg, the largest solar module manufacturer in the Western hemisphere to participate in a conversation on how to best navigate conflict with utility-scale solar development.  Read the full CIA

The Clean Energy Economy Bodes Well for AZ Jobs & Economic Growth

Chambers and business leaders discuss the opportunities associated with Arizona investing in a clean energy economy, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and other federal policies that could positively impact the state. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) opened the session by providing an overview of the proposed infrastructure bills in Congress and the effects climate change is playing on our economy and quality of life, saying “Arizona, and our entire nation needs to invest in infrastructure.”  Read the full CIA

NC Chamber Leaders Gather to Learn About the Offshore Wind Industry and the Opportunities it Holds

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy hosted its first-ever Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Offshore Wind Summit on Friday October 27 in Wilmington, NC, a hot spot area for offshore wind development. Chamber and economic development leaders heard from experts in the industry and saw firsthand the $109 billion economic potential of offshore wind (OSW) through supply chain opportunities and development off the coast. Read the full CIA

Chamber Led Study Recommends CT Step Up its Offshore Wind Game

“The report highlights the economic opportunities available and our advantages in attracting those opportunities, and challenges that can keep the state from realizing the maximum potential offered by offshore wind power,” says The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut President and CEO, Tony Sheridan.  Read the full CIA

If you would like to learn more about navigating clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.

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Reno + Sparks Chamber Supports Increase to Nevada's Renewable Portfolio Standard

Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce was a key supporter of SB 358, which doubled Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard

Nevada Governor Sisolak signs SB358

The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce was a key supporter of SB 358, which doubled the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030 and requires 100% carbon-free emissions by 2050. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support from both chambers of the Nevada Legislature during the 2019 Legislative Session and overwhelming support from state voters for higher renewable targets.

“Renewable energy is a major cornerstone of my economic development plan, and this bill will put Nevada back on the path toward renewable energy leadership on a nationwide level and continue to bring well-paying jobs to our communities,” Governor Sisolak, who signed the bill into law, said. “Today, Nevada sent a message to the country and world that the Silver State is open for business as a renewable leader, and our commitment to growing our clean energy economy transcends party lines.”

Increasing Nevada’s RPS brings a multitude of economic benefits to the state. Nevada’s clean energy jobs totaled more than 32,000 at the end of 2018. By some estimates, meeting the targets of Nevada’s new RPS could support an additional  11,170 full-time jobs by 2030 and generate $539 million in wages and $1.5 billion in economic activity.

“Renewable energy has been a significant part of the Nevada economy for years and we welcome the increased economic opportunities more energy development will bring to Nevada,” said Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber also recognizes the impact that cleaner air, via more clean energy, will have on our quality of life.”

Ann Silver CEO Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Traverse City Chamber Takes Lead to Transition to a Clean Energy Economy

Traverse City Area Chamber Issues Statement on Climate Change Policy

Traverse City, MI

Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is front and center in leading its community to transition to a clean energy economy and has released a comprehensive clean energy legislative policy. The policy was developed by a Climate Change Task Force of its members, including representatives from the energy, transportation, real estate, tourism, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, nonprofit and retail sectors.

“We believe there is great potential for transitioning to a clean energy economy, and Northern Michigan can be a leader in this transition” said Traverse Connect President & CEO Warren Call in a recent press release.  “The policy seeks to maximize the potential of climate legislation to unleash innovation and job creation while minimizing disruption to our businesses, communities and citizens.”

The chamber proposes that any legislative or regulatory approach adopted should have a meaningful impact on carbon emissions, while also considering reliability, affordability, and environmental impact for energy supply.

The policy states: “We call on policymakers to seize on an approach that rises to the challenge of climate change, leveraging business leadership and expertise, America’s energy edge and our ability to innovate…”

Read the press release here.

See the news story here.

Warren Call, President & CEO of TraverseCONNECT

If you would like more information about Michigan Chambers of Commerce and the economic benefits of clean energy initiatives, please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com.

Largest Clean Energy Convening of Local Chambers at MA Statehouse

Highlights of MA Local Chambers Legislative Briefing

More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators last month for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy.

Rep. Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell) and Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), two of the leading legislators on clean energy, briefed them on what to expect from the remainder of the 2017-2018 session, saying the goal is to build on last year’s work to ensure that Massachusetts remains a clean energy leader.

Among the measures they said the legislature plans to consider supporting:

• An increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to ensure more renewable energy and more clean energy investment and jobs in Massachusetts.

• Increase the caps on solar net metering to allow more businesses and residents who own solar panels to be compensated for providing their excess energy back to the electrical grid. The legislators stated that an increase in the caps will help generate more solar power in the Bay State. See Net Metering explained.

• Energy storage technology, which allows for wind and solar energy to be captured when available and saved for use when needed.

• Increases in energy efficiency statewide.

Offshore wind, they also noted, has strong support since turbines are now placed at off shore distances largely invisible to the naked eye. Several chambers and businesses are eyeing the economic benefits from expected boosts in production and distribution of offshore wind technology in the state.

We also heard that states all along the eastern seaboard and beyond are competing to be the home of the new offshore wind industry. Many legislators want Massachusetts to be the nation’s center for this new industry.

The legislature wants to hear from chambers. Rep. Golden and Sen. Pacheco also said that the Massachusetts legislature wants to hear from local chamber leaders to better understand their members’ experience with clean energy policies and programs—adding that they depend on this to ensure clean energy growth continues.

Co-hosts of the event included the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce (formerly the New Bedford Chamber), the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE).

Stay tuned for details!  CICE will continue to update you on important clean energy discussions with briefing calls, in-person sessions, and more throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your chamber or member businesses would like more information or would like to get more involved in clean energy discussions.

Check out photos from the event here. Credit: “Photography by Sergio Dabdoub: badmonkeypics@outlook.com”.  

In VA, Roanoke Chamber Hosts Governor, Clean Energy Business Roundtable

The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Gov. McAuliffe at a Clean Energy Business Roundtable in September to highlight the economic benefits clean energy is delivering to the businesses and communities of Southwest Virginia—and how to continue to grow clean energy investments and jobs.

“In Virginia, our investment in clean energy has quadrupled,” Gov. McAuliffe said. “I want the solar panels, the turbines, and the wind blades to all be manufactured in Virginia. We need to be a clean energy leader, and we’re just starting to kick that barn door wide open.”

In a Roanoke Times op-ed, Roanoke Chamber President and CEO Joyce Waugh underscored the chamber’s commitment to attracting clean energy investments. In a piece co-authored with with Larry Cummings of Trane, a global leader in air conditioning and innovator in energy efficiency, Waugh wrote:

“Here in Virginia, companies like Amazon and Microsoft have shown their commitment to renewable energy by procuring energy from solar installations. To continue to attract companies like these that care about clean energy, we need to ensure that policies are in place that support energy efficiency and renewable energy for businesses and residents.”

Read the op-ed here.

Ohio Chambers Talk Wind Energy During Capitol Visit

From a Columbus suburb (home to a new wind-powered Amazon data center) to the small village of Paulding (where a new wind farm will begin generating electricity in 2017) local chamber leaders trekked to Ohio’s capitol this month to tell Gov. Kasich and lawmakers how their communities have benefited from wind energy.

“For businesses, school districts, and taxpayers in rural communities like ours, wind power is an absolute blessing,” said Peggy Emerson, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce.

“Wind energy has been one of the biggest investments in Ohio and has the potential to contribute much more to Ohio’s future economic prosperity,” said Susan Munroe, President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want to work with legislators to encourage further investment and job growth created with wind energy development.”

To date, wind energy has resulted in investments of more than $775 million in Ohio. This new “cash crop” delivers significant tax benefits to schools and other institutions, income to landowners and local supply chain businesses while supporting county services in communities able to host these wind farms.

This was the second visit by local chamber leaders to the state’s capitol in the past year. In a related trend, a growing number of businesses have encouraged lawmakers to establish reasonable “setback” provisions, which determine how far a wind turbine must be situated from the nearest property line.

In 2014, the Ohio legislature tripled the required distance for turbines — resulting in a near moratorium on wind farm development and investment. Meanwhile, corporations such as Amazon have announced increased demand for wind energy to power data centers in the state. And the Toledo-based Owens Corning in 2015 signed the largest wind power purchase agreement by an industrial company in the world—but had to source wind energy from Texas.

Amazon Wireless Services, Panasonic, Apex Clean Energy, First Solar, and other businesses also sent a letter to Gov. Kasich this month encouraging more reasonable rules.

The local chamber leaders took a more personal approach, sharing their stories in meetings with the Governor’s Office; Speaker Cliff Rosenberger’s Office, a half-dozen representatives, including Rep. Shaffer, Chair of the House Public Utilities Commission; and Senators Cliff Hite and Jay Hottinger.

Pictured above from left to right: Susan Munroe, President & CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce; Former Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops; Eric Germann, President, Lincolnview Schools; Peggy Emerson, Executive Director, Paulding Chamber of Commerce; Brian Dicken, VP of Advocacy & Public Policy, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.