Boulder Chamber Leads the Passage of Utility Partnership for Cleaner Energy, Hosts Briefing with Senatorial Staff

Utility Partnership: A Boulder Chamber Policy Priority

This past November, Boulder voters decided to move forward in partnership with Xcel Energy to meet critical carbon reduction and clean energy goals, investments in energy reliability and public safety via underground wiring and remove limits on rooftop solar. 

Specifically, Ballot Issue 2C, a policy priority of the Boulder Chamber, passed and approved a franchise agreement between the City of Boulder and Xcel Energy to sell electricity within the city, pursue renewable energy projects, improve system reliability and modernization, advance new approaches to electrification of buildings and transportation, and increase access to energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

The Boulder Chamber has encouraged the City of Boulder and Xcel Energy to pursue a collaborative approach to achieving their climate protection and clean energy goals. As an alternative, the City of Boulder had been evaluating the option of forming its own independent utility, an approach the Boulder Chamber believed could lead to high costs risks and service reliability challenges, among other concerns. Leading up to the 2020 election, the Boulder Chamber staff met with dozens of businesses and stakeholders to help articulate the benefits of a partnership approach that Ballot Issue 2C would facilitate. 

“For good reason, our community has fought with near religious fervor for more than a decade over the best path toward achieving our climate protection and renewable energy goals. Record-breaking forest fires, spreading drought, and the other consequences of an overheated planet point to a crisis worthy of such a fight,” said John Tayer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boulder Chamber. “The new franchise agreement and settlement terms give us leverage to advance climate protection innovation that can revolutionize the energy future for Xcel’s 3.3 million customers across Colorado and its multi-state territory.”

Clean Energy Briefing with Senator Michael Bennet:

As part of the Boulder Chamber’s commitment to clean energy, chamber staff briefed U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s team on the opportunities and challenges for their community. Senator Bennet, amongst other responsibilities, serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over clean energy tax incentives, and has been a strong proponent for clean energy and climate action for many years.

Lori Call, Boulder Chamber Senior Director of Policy Programs, updated the Senator’s team on Boulder’s recent passage of the Xcel franchise agreement and extension of the Utility Occupation Tax, which funds clean energy programs. She also joined Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver and business leaders from across the state to discuss clean energy solutions in Colorado and across the nation. 

 

“It’s important for senate staff to have local Colorado success stories to help advance federal action on clean energy and climate,” Call stated. “We wanted to ensure that we shared our success story of the passage of Boulder’s electric franchise ballot initiative and our commitment to continue to tackle climate action at a local level.”

To learn more about clean energy opportunities in Colorado, contact Ryan Evans at revans@chambersforinnovation.com. Photo above: John Tayer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce. Read More Policies Chambers for Innovation 3/8/18 Policies Chambers for Innovation 3/8/18 Two Governors, Amazon Consultant, Foundation Leader Tell Local Chambers the Economic Outlook for Clean Energy is Strong The transition to the clean energy economy is happening now. States are making it happen. Local communities are making it happen. And corporations are making it happen. This was the message on last week’s special briefing call for local chambers from guest speakers Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI); former Governor Bill Ritter Jr. (D-CO); Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation; and Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon. The transition to the clean energy economy is happening now. States are making it happen. Local communities are making it happen. And corporations are making it happen. This was the message on last week’s special briefing call for local chambers from guest speakers Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI); former Governor Bill Ritter Jr. (D-CO); Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation; and Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon. “We had strong bipartisan support [for Michigan’s recent landmark clean energy legislation],” said Gov. Snyder, “because it was based on good science, good economics, and good substance as opposed to the winds of Washington.” Today’s clean energy transition “is not being driven by mandates. It’s being driven by the market,” said former Gov. Bill Ritter, Executive Director of the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. “Renewable energy,” said Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon and Founder of Capital Advantage, “is going to continue growing. It’s not going to stop or slow down.” One reason is that many corporations are demanding it. “It’s not just the Amazons and Googles and Facebooks,” she said. “It’s Smithfield Foods, the largest pork procurers in the world. It’s everybody.”  Continue reading for more highlights from the call that attracted nearly 90 local chambers of commerce and member businesses from across the nation. The briefing was co-hosted by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Read: A Who's Who of Chamber Members... Who Are the Top Clean Energy Users. Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI): “We had strong bipartisan support [for Michigan’s clean energy legislation] because it was based on good science, good economics, and good substance as opposed to the winds of Washington.” “When the Trump Administration came in and went the other way [on renewable energy], we said we are not changing course because we have good, smart policy.” “Our utilities were supportive and understood that coal’s days were numbered and that the faster they could make a transition in a smart way, it’s good for them.” “I think we’re well positioned for the future. I’m very proud of what we’ve done.” The Honorable Bill Ritter, former Governor of Colorado (D), Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University: “If you read only about Congress, you would assume there is nothing but [clean energy] rollbacks being done in Washington, D.C. “Nothing can be further from the truth because of the activity that is happening with states, local governments, and corporations.” “The cost of natural gas is making coal less attractive. And with the cost of renewable energy coming down we are seeing that coal plants are being replaced by renewables; and I think we will see that continuing as we go forward.” “This is not being driven by mandates. It’s being driven by the market.” Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation “I joined a [U.S.] Chamber Foundation debate recently. In the past, it might have been between someone for and someone against clean energy. Now we were debating what is the right way to transition the economy to cleaner sources of energy.” “Mary Barra, CEO of GM, just spoke today in front of a largely oil and gas crowd about electric vehicles and how the future for GM’s fleet will be a gas-free future.” Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon and Founder of Capital Advantage “Corporations are demanding renewable energy to power their operations. It’s not just the Amazons and Googles and Facebooks. It’s Smithfield Foods, the largest pork procurers in the world. It’s everybody.”   “Eighty-six percent of millennials want renewable energy.” “If elected officials want their communities to be attractive [to corporations, millennials, and others] over the next 20 or 30 years, they need to provide access to renewable energy or be left behind.” “Renewable energy is going to continue growing. It’s not going to stop or slow down.” Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations for TraverseConnect and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance “Our members understand the value and economic benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency.” “And we actively supported Governor Snyder’s efforts to have more renewable energy and more energy efficiency.” “At our chamber, we created an energy efficiency loan program for our members that helped dozens of them save money through energy upgrades.” Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce “We settled on renewable energy as an important part of who and what we are because we think talent and a sense of place are two critical ingredients in economic development; and talent wants to be a part of a renewable energy community.” “Fayetteville became the 54th city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy and the first in the state of Arkansas.” “Our largest employer, Walmart … and all employers are looking to us to grow our community with renewables.” Read More Projects Chambers for Innovation 1/7/16 Projects Chambers for Innovation 1/7/16 Top 10 Featured Chambers in 2015 Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015? They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs. Here are some of our favorites. Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015? They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs. In fact, we had a hard time choosing our “Top 10” this year. But here are some of our favorites: View fullsize Kansas Chambers Lead Effort to Defend Renewable Energy from Legislative Attack View fullsize Michigan Local Chamber VP Urges Legislature to Increase Clean Energy View fullsize Orlando Chamber Co-hosts Summit, Highlights Bottom Line Impact of Energy Efficiency View fullsize Denver Chamber Saves Money, Wins High Praise for Energy Efficient Leadership View fullsize Lansing Chamber Promotes Low-cost Energy Efficiency Loans View fullsize More than 10 Local Chambers in Massachusetts Join Solar Affinity Partnership View fullsize In NC, Battery Plant Brings Jobs and New Life to Former Philip Morris Site View fullsize Ohio Lawmakers Tell Chambers Wind Energy Bill Will Boost Local Economic Development View fullsize Cleveland Chamber Launches Innovative Leasing Program that Helps Businesses Save on Energy Costs View fullsize Salt Lake Chamber Welcomes Creation of 7,000 New Solar Jobs Read More Projects Chambers for Innovation 12/1/15 Projects Chambers for Innovation 12/1/15 Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership In 2014, the city of Denver announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation. In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation. 109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices. And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership. “From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough. “Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.” In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here. Read More Projects Chambers for Innovation 10/13/14 Projects Chambers for Innovation 10/13/14 Local Chambers Save Money Through Energy-Efficient Renovations In 2008, the Greater Waco Chamber, deep in the heart of Texas oil country, became the first local chamber of commerce to receive Gold level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its new headquarters. The chamber proudly hailed its accomplishment as the first building in Central Texas to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification in recognition of its best-in-class building strategies and practices. In 2008, the Greater Waco Chamber, deep in the heart of Texas oil country, became the first local chamber of commerce to receive Gold level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its new headquarters. The chamber proudly hailed its accomplishment as the first building in Central Texas to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification in recognition of its best-in-class building strategies and practices. The chamber served as a model for other organizations in its region. According to the chamber’s website, groups such as McLennan Community College, Caterpillar Logistics and Baylor University have obtained or are working toward LEED certification for new buildings in Waco. It also set the bar for other local chambers of commerce. In recent years, the following chambers have sought LEED status for their buildings: — The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce in Nebraska partnered with two of its member companies to design and build a new headquarters and visitor center that is seeking LEED certification. According to a chamber news release, the region’s economic development team completed a targeted industry research project and found that renewable energy companies and “green collar, eco-friendly jobs” are priorities as the area seeks new industries. “This green facility will serve as a magnet for those companies bringing new jobs to town and show them that we are serious about going green in Norfolk.” — At the San Luis Obispo chamber in California, a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric financed interior renovations that earned LEED certification in 2013. Among its improvements, the chamber used transom windows and added solar light tubes to bring in natural daylight. “The steps we took to pursue LEED make long-term financial sense and allow our facility to model energy efficiency practices for small and large businesses,” said Ermina Karim, chamber President and CEO. “Our chamber has long been a leader in encouraging businesses to pursue sustainability measures and the triple bottom-line.” — The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is working with four of its member companies on a exterior and interior remodel for which it will seek Silver LEED certification. The project will include solar and wind power on the chamber roof and is scheduled for completion during winter 2015. Has your chamber been engaged in building retrofits? Are you thinking about a building retrofit for your chamber or helping your member companies with a similar program? Let us know, we have resources that could help! Our website also boasts a diverse list of other local chambers that have taken renewable or energy-efficient steps in their community. Read More

Two Governors, Amazon Consultant, Foundation Leader Tell Local Chambers the Economic Outlook for Clean Energy is Strong

The transition to the clean energy economy is happening now. States are making it happen. Local communities are making it happen. And corporations are making it happen.

This was the message on last week’s special briefing call for local chambers from guest speakers Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI); former Governor Bill Ritter Jr. (D-CO); Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation; and Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon.

“We had strong bipartisan support [for Michigan’s recent landmark clean energy legislation],” said Gov. Snyder, “because it was based on good science, good economics, and good substance as opposed to the winds of Washington.”

Today’s clean energy transition “is not being driven by mandates. It’s being driven by the market,” said former Gov. Bill Ritter, Executive Director of the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University.

“Renewable energy,” said Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon and Founder of Capital Advantage, “is going to continue growing. It’s not going to stop or slow down.” One reason is that many corporations are demanding it. “It’s not just the Amazons and Googles and Facebooks,” she said. “It’s Smithfield Foods, the largest pork procurers in the world. It’s everybody.” 

Continue reading for more highlights from the call that attracted nearly 90 local chambers of commerce and member businesses from across the nation. The briefing was co-hosted by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

Read: A Who's Who of Chamber Members... Who Are the Top Clean Energy Users.

Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI):

• “We had strong bipartisan support [for Michigan’s clean energy legislation] because it was based on good science, good economics, and good substance as opposed to the winds of Washington.”

• “When the Trump Administration came in and went the other way [on renewable energy], we said we are not changing course because we have good, smart policy.”

• “Our utilities were supportive and understood that coal’s days were numbered and that the faster they could make a transition in a smart way, it’s good for them.”

• “I think we’re well positioned for the future. I’m very proud of what we’ve done.”

The Honorable Bill Ritter, former Governor of Colorado (D), Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University:

• “If you read only about Congress, you would assume there is nothing but [clean energy] rollbacks being done in Washington, D.C.

• “Nothing can be further from the truth because of the activity that is happening with states, local governments, and corporations.”

• “The cost of natural gas is making coal less attractive. And with the cost of renewable energy coming down we are seeing that coal plants are being replaced by renewables; and I think we will see that continuing as we go forward.”

• “This is not being driven by mandates. It’s being driven by the market.”

Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation

• “I joined a [U.S.] Chamber Foundation debate recently. In the past, it might have been between someone for and someone against clean energy. Now we were debating what is the right way to transition the economy to cleaner sources of energy.”

• “Mary Barra, CEO of GM, just spoke today in front of a largely oil and gas crowd about electric vehicles and how the future for GM’s fleet will be a gas-free future.”

Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon and Founder of Capital Advantage

• “Corporations are demanding renewable energy to power their operations. It’s not just the Amazons and Googles and Facebooks. It’s Smithfield Foods, the largest pork procurers in the world. It’s everybody.”  

• “Eighty-six percent of millennials want renewable energy.”

• “If elected officials want their communities to be attractive [to corporations, millennials, and others] over the next 20 or 30 years, they need to provide access to renewable energy or be left behind.”

• “Renewable energy is going to continue growing. It’s not going to stop or slow down.”

Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations for TraverseConnect and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

• “Our members understand the value and economic benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

• “And we actively supported Governor Snyder’s efforts to have more renewable energy and more energy efficiency.”

• “At our chamber, we created an energy efficiency loan program for our members that helped dozens of them save money through energy upgrades.”

Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

• “We settled on renewable energy as an important part of who and what we are because we think talent and a sense of place are two critical ingredients in economic development; and talent wants to be a part of a renewable energy community.”

• “Fayetteville became the 54th city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy and the first in the state of Arkansas.”

• “Our largest employer, Walmart … and all employers are looking to us to grow our community with renewables.”

Top 10 Featured Chambers in 2015

Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015?

They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs.

In fact, we had a hard time choosing our “Top 10” this year. But here are some of our favorites:

View fullsize

Kansas Chambers Lead Effort to Defend Renewable Energy from Legislative Attack

View fullsize

Michigan Local Chamber VP Urges Legislature to Increase Clean Energy

View fullsize

Orlando Chamber Co-hosts Summit, Highlights Bottom Line Impact of Energy Efficiency

View fullsize

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Wins High Praise for Energy Efficient Leadership

View fullsize

Lansing Chamber Promotes Low-cost Energy Efficiency Loans

View fullsize

More than 10 Local Chambers in Massachusetts Join Solar Affinity Partnership

View fullsize

In NC, Battery Plant Brings Jobs and New Life to Former Philip Morris Site

View fullsize

Ohio Lawmakers Tell Chambers Wind Energy Bill Will Boost Local Economic Development

View fullsize

Cleveland Chamber Launches Innovative Leasing Program that Helps Businesses Save on Energy Costs

View fullsize

Salt Lake Chamber Welcomes Creation of 7,000 New Solar Jobs

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership

In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation.

109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices.

And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership.

“From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough.

“Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.”

In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here.

Local Chambers Save Money Through Energy-Efficient Renovations

In 2008, the Greater Waco Chamber, deep in the heart of Texas oil country, became the first local chamber of commerce to receive Gold level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its new headquarters. The chamber proudly hailed its accomplishment as the first building in Central Texas to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification in recognition of its best-in-class building strategies and practices.

The chamber served as a model for other organizations in its region. According to the chamber’s website, groups such as McLennan Community College, Caterpillar Logistics and Baylor University have obtained or are working toward LEED certification for new buildings in Waco.

It also set the bar for other local chambers of commerce. In recent years, the following chambers have sought LEED status for their buildings:

— The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce in Nebraska partnered with two of its member companies to design and build a new headquarters and visitor center that is seeking LEED certification. According to a chamber news release, the region’s economic development team completed a targeted industry research project and found that renewable energy companies and “green collar, eco-friendly jobs” are priorities as the area seeks new industries. “This green facility will serve as a magnet for those companies bringing new jobs to town and show them that we are serious about going green in Norfolk.”

— At the San Luis Obispo chamber in California, a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric financed interior renovations that earned LEED certification in 2013. Among its improvements, the chamber used transom windows and added solar light tubes to bring in natural daylight. “The steps we took to pursue LEED make long-term financial sense and allow our facility to model energy efficiency practices for small and large businesses,” said Ermina Karim, chamber President and CEO. “Our chamber has long been a leader in encouraging businesses to pursue sustainability measures and the triple bottom-line.”

— The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is working with four of its member companies on a exterior and interior remodel for which it will seek Silver LEED certification. The project will include solar and wind power on the chamber roof and is scheduled for completion during winter 2015.

Has your chamber been engaged in building retrofits? Are you thinking about a building retrofit for your chamber or helping your member companies with a similar program? Let us know, we have resources that could help! Our website also boasts a diverse list of other local chambers that have taken renewable or energy-efficient steps in their community.