Event Recap: Hot Topics in FL Clean Energy: Rooftop Solar, Federal EV Money & More

If you would like to rewatch or share the event with your members, you can watch it on our Youtube channel here. While there, please subscribe to be alerted for any future events.

Net Metering, Rooftop Solar, Electric Vehicle, and Legislation Follow-Up:

Net Metering/Rooftop Solar If you would like to read the report developed by the Washington Economics Group for Conservatives for Clean Energy, and The Comprehensive Economic Development Impacts of the Rooftop Solar Power Industry on the State of Florida, you can find that here.  Our organization has also developed two information documents dealing with the rooftop solar issue. The two papers are: SB 1024 & HB 741- Renewable Energy Generation: Changes to Florida’s Net Metering Policy Net Metering Background Information for Florida Chambers of Commerce Bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and EV Toolkit “If you are a small business, make sure you are building those relationships with potential joint venture partners and your DOT district office. It’s vital right now that you are developing those strategic relationships.” Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis During the discussion regarding investment dollars coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis provided great information for chambers and businesses to ensure they can capitalize on the more than $7 billion coming for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Here is the follow up from her: You can find more information about the Orlando MBDA Business Center, as they help businesses with all types of business issues.  You can read Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure; the toolkit we referenced in the webinar.  Finally, Kimberly discussed a program Duke Energy is undertaking to help create and grow businesses in the clean energy space. You can find more information about Duke’s Diversity in Clean Energy program. Additional Clean Energy & EV Bills “This is an exciting time as there are real resources available and others on the horizon as well.” Congressman Darren Soto  We wrapped up talking about some of the bills that are moving in Tallahassee this session, including legislation dealing with our state’s vehicle fleets, floating solar and permitting for solar.  Scott Thomassan, our policy expert for the discussion, passed along these links for bills that look like they may pass this year: SB 1338: Floating Solar Facilities (Diaz) HB 1411: Floating Solar Facilities (Avila)   SB 954 EV Fleet Procurement & Solar Permitting (Brodeur) HB 1139 EV Fleet Procurement & Solar Permitting (Drake) “There’s another EV bill that will be a big debate next session that takes on who is building these charging stations and what that market will look like.” Scott Thomasson At Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, we’re looking forward to what’s next on the horizon and you’re ahead of the game by hearing about the big issue for the 2023 Legislative Session, about the electronic vehicle industry. While they are not expected to pass this year, it is looking like this may be the focus of our legislature next year. Be even more prepared by reviewing the bills filed this year: SB 920: EV Transportation Electrification Plan (Perry) HB 737 EV Transportation Electrification Plan (Borrero)   Again, thank you for participating in our webinar. We look forward to keeping you informed on issues that affect your members and your community.

For further follow-up information contact Alan Byrd or Anne Feldhusen

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Wilmington Chamber honors Cape Fear Solar Systems with top pick at Coastal Entrepreneur Awards

The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards run by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an opportunity for area chambers of commerce to recognize their top businesses and organizations within the community. Announced in the Wilmington Business Journal, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce awarded Cape Fear Solar Systems with their Entrepreneur of the Year Award.   “We presented the award to Cape Fear Solar to recognize their entrepreneurial spirit and fantastic growth in recent years. We were thrilled to participate in their groundbreaking for a new headquarters building and look forward to helping them continue to grow,” says Natalie Haskins English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

Cape Fear Solar Systems is gearing up to celebrate its 14th anniversary and in the process of constructing a new headquarters in North Carolina. Cape Fear Solar, no stranger to community engagement installed the solar system at Wilmington’s Mad Mole Brewing, recipient of the 2019 North Carolina Clean Energy Champion Award, an award given by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the North Carolina Conservatives for Clean Energy. "Every challenge thrown our way gives us an opportunity to adapt and become better. More importantly, a better opportunity to serve our community and deliver energy independence. We are simply honored, and I am proud of everyone at Cape Fear Solar Systems for their hard work and dedication to being the kind of solar company our customers can depend upon," says Robert Parker, senior project manager and commercial project developer for Cape Fear Solar Systems. You can see Cape Fear Solar Systems' full press release here.

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

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OH Chambers and ED Oppose State Efforts to Thwart Massive Solar Investment; CICE Welcomes Isaac Lee

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. 

Therefore, it is no surprise that chambers of commerce, economic development professionals including the Ohio Chamber and Columbus Partnership, business and labor associations came out in force to oppose legislation that would limit or eliminate solar development in the state. Brian Dicken, Toledo Regional Chamber Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives in an editorial in the Toledo Blade, weighed in, "Passage of the proposal would send an unmistakable message that renewable energy jobs are not welcome in Ohio — driving them into the open arms of our neighboring states." 

House Bill 118 and Senate Bill 52 would allow local township voters to cast a ballot on whether their township neighbors would be permitted to host utility solar or wind projects on their property. Further, the bills will abolish pro-business, free-market principles that have guided Ohio for many years by inserting burdensome layers of regulation on two forms of energy generation only and create uncertainty for future investment in this state.

Perhaps most concerning for any economic development or chamber professional is the dangerous precedent these bills present by laying the foundation for any new investment in a community being subject to a local vote. These bills would also establish a precedent for local votes for any kind of agricultural land usage such as large livestock operations, specific crops, or ag equipment. 

Jed Metzger, President and CEO of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce, recently shared, “In our community, Birch Solar would provide a significant infusion to (our local economy) – contributing approximately $2.7 million in new annual revenue for schools as well as local and county governments, $4.6 million in annual operating expenses spent in the region, and 400 or more construction jobs with 80% local workers.” 

<In Licking County, another proposed solar project is receiving similar support. The 500-acre proposed development would power Facebook, Amazon and Google data centers and provide a financial windfall for property tax recipients, especially Southwest Licking Schools. 

Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb stated, "There's no aspect of it that's a negative. Facebook, Amazon and Google all want to buy green energy from the grid. There's a desire for that energy."

Nate Strum, former executive director of GROW Licking County, agrees saying, "I think this is something that makes us more attractive to large-scale opportunities. We see renewables as a driver to power our future economic growth. The opportunities with this project are far beyond the initial investment in our county- our townships and schools will reap the benefits from the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) revenues for years to come." 

As exciting as these opportunities sound, House 118 and Senate Bill 52 would jeopardize these and many other projects from delivering such investment to Ohio communities. 

What’s being said about this legislation and other key solar development resources: Read what other chamber, economic development and other business voices are saying about this legislation including Columbus Partnership and Ohio Chamber of Commerce Watch this video of testimonies presented by leading Ohio economic development and chamber executives Watch this video to hear why Ohio landowners and farmers oppose these bills Top Economic Development Talking Points for HB 118 and SB 52 Ohio chambers of commerce and economic development sign-on letter to oppose legislation (Email here to sign on to letter) Overview of Economic Impact of Utility-Scale Solar in Ohio View this map for all potential projects in Ohio

Announcing New Member to the Ohio CICE Team: CICE welcomes Isaac Lee who will assist chambers of commerce and economic development leaders to navigate the opportunities of utility solar development in communities across the state.  Many of you may know Isaac through his leadership role with Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio (CCEO) or as past President/CEO of the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce in Ohio. Currently, Isaac serves as the executive director of the Steuben County, IN Economic Development Corporation.  For additional information about utility scale solar projects in your area or in Ohio, contact Isaac Lee here.

Additional Ohio Utility Scale Solar Resources: Measuring the Economic Impacts of Utility-Scale Solar in Ohio International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Representing 20,000 Ohioans Ohio’s Country Journal/Ag Net Commentary on Utility Solar

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Two Chambers Embrace Utility Scale Solar in the Sunshine State

Calhoun County and Indian River County are generally very different communities yet have something big in common, they are both adapting their local economies to a changing environment and taking full advantage of living in the sunshine state.

Calhoun County, a small, land locked, rural county in the Florida panhandle, is making a big change when it comes to their local farming stock. Situated north of Panama City, and just south of Alabama and Georgia, the community has historically been a timber growing community but in recent years has begun to diversify their harvest.  In years past, hurricanes traveling through the Gulf would lose their momentum as they touched ground just south of Calhoun County. Hurricane Michael in 2018 was different, however, when it maintained its hurricane strength winds and rain as it tore through Calhoun County, leaving that year’s timber crop decimated. A once very reliable crop, timber has become much riskier as climate change makes normally predictable hurricanes more extreme.   With unused or devalued (due to hurricane damage) land in the county, solar farms present a new opportunity for economic investment and job growth.   As a result, the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for two new solar farms in the county, that will create about 500 temporary construction jobs and deliver approximately $600,000 in annual tax revenues to the county.   “Its an opportunity for clean energy development with low impact on county services and high yield on tax revenue, which is something we are desperate for in our area right now” said Kristy Terry, CEO of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. “This development also puts us in a great position for future clean energy investment.”  In addition to supporting solar in their county, Kristy Terry and the chamber also started the North Florida Inland Long Term Recovery Group, a non-profit disaster recovery organization created to help individuals and families recover from Hurricane Michael and future storms.

Indian River, on the other hand, is a coastal county known for tourism and citrus groves.  In recent years, the Florida citrus industry has been crippled by a rapidly spreading bacteria spread by an invasive insect resistant to insecticides. Climate change, according to a recent study, will actually facilitate this bacteria spreading to states north of Florida. Abandoned citrus groves in Indian River County are now being converted to solar farms making productive use of land that would likely otherwise go unused. Florida Power and Light, with support from the chamber, has already installed two solar plants in Indian River County, attracting over 400 temporary jobs, with a third to be completed by the summer of 2021. The local college, Indian River State College, is now offering technical training certificates on solar, further supporting local job growth and paving the way for additional solar business growth in the county. Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the recent developments saying, "having trained professionals in solar technology and a skilled workforce attracts businesses to our county.”  Clean energy technology also supports Chamber CEO Dori Stone’s overall strategy of innovation that she introduced upon joining the Chamber in 2018.   News and Events Update: Survey: Floridians are more concerned about climate change than most Americans Legislation to fight sea level rise goes to Florida governor Op-Ed: Florida’s preemption bills hurts small businesses Florida Senate budget proposal includes funds for the Everglades, and to combat sea-level rise Virtual walkthrough of GE Renewable Energy’s largest onshore wind component manufacturing facility in Pensacola, FL Federal infrastructure plan seeks to address climate and equity as well as roads

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Pickaway Chamber of Commerce touts the impressive economic impact of utility-scale solar

As the pandemic rages on, chambers of commerce are looking for ways to foster economic growth to support and promote local businesses. 

 

For the Pickaway Chamber of Commerce, all they had to do is look up for inspiration. “As we look to build a stronger economy during the pandemic and these uncertain times, Atlanta Farms Solar has potential for significant economic development opportunities for Pickaway County, our schools and townships, farmers and our area businesses,” Marlee Martin, Executive Director at the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce penned in an impassioned letter to the members of the Ohio Power Siting Board.

 

Martin shared these highlights of the projected economic benefits that Savion’s Atlanta Farms Solar Project could bring to her region:

-   500 jobs created during construction as well as almost 30 long term positions, 

-   $32 million investment in local businesses and supply chain, 

-   $33 million in additional (and diverse) income for landowners and farming families which creates financial security,

-   $28 million in new tax revenue and over $6.5 million to local townships 

-   An additional $7 million for the Pickaway County general fund 

 

With these benefits in mind, Martin asked the OBSP to consider the economic potential for growth in the community and to recognize that solar on farmland could really be a “cash cow.”

 

Read Martin’s letter of support for the Atlanta Farms Solar Project HERE.

If you would like to learn more about the community and economic benefits of utility solar in Ohio, please contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com and also visit http://www.chambersforinnovation.com/ohio.

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West Virginia chamber executives, industry leaders and Senator Manchin discuss economic opportunities for clean energy innovation

Earlier this month West Virginia chambers of commerce and business leaders participated in CICE’s “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” virtual panel co-hosted by:

• Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN),
• Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce,
• Mineral County Chamber of Commerce,
• Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce,
• Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

The economic development panel featured Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Proctor and Gamble, Clearway Energy, Toyota, and Dakota Power Partners. 

Senator Manchin kicked off the call by discussing bi-partisan legislation he is spearheading with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK.) The American Energy Innovations Act, Manchin estimated, will inject $24 billion to advance renewable energy, potentially reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90% as well as strengthen the country’s global position. “This is exactly the conversation we need to be having right now,” Senator Manchin shared. “There is significant economic opportunity to be found in clean energy, and our top priority right now needs to be economic recovery and growth”.

Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber, appreciated the senator kicking off the economic development panel stating, “As Senator Joe Manchin pointed out, clean energy is an integral part of West Virginia’s future growth and key to an all-in energy plan.”

Attendees then heard from an impressive business panel including: 

Proctor and Gamble  

James McCall, Senior Director of Global Climate and Supply Chain Sustainability for P&G, was introduced by Tina Combs, President of Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber. McCall shared the company’s billion-dollar brand’s focus on corporate responsibility and what the organization was doing to “build in sustainability” into the supply chain. P&G believes you can “be a force for good AND a force for growth. It’s about growing responsibly” said McCall. “We are using less water, less energy and producing less waste today than we were in 2010.”

Clearway Energy

Dan Hendrick, Head of External Affairs- East for Clearway Energy was introduced by Randy Crane, President of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce. Dan spoke about the Black Rock Wind Farm which is set to inject millions into West Virginia’s energy infrastructure, create local jobs, and generate tax revenue. He talked at length about their intention to be in WV long term and their desire to help workers who have been displaced in the coal industry and help bring them into the fold. “In the absence of a renewable portfolio standard in West Virginia it really is large corporations who are driving growth in renewable energy in West Virginia,” Hendrick stated.

 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing

Bob Welch, General Manager Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, was introduced by Bill Bissett, President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber. Welch spoke of Toyota’s vision and commitment to clean energy and the environment, their comprehensive clean energy goals and their focus on plant emissions.  Welch shared, “Taking care of our environment is not a one-time event but an educational process.” 

 

Dakota Power 

Timothy Daniels, Principal at Dakota Power was introduced by Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Daniels discussed how recent legislative changes have made West Virginia the ideal location for their business and how they are now planning billions of dollars in investments. “As far as what we do- which is large scale solar, West Virginia is open for business.”

Read here  for press coverage of the “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” panel discussion.

To learn more about the benefits of clean energy opportunities in West Virginia, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com. 

Co-sponsored by:

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Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia Sees Brighter Business Climate with Solar Project

Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia Sees Brighter Business Climate with Solar Project

The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC,) located in one of the nation’s top coal producing states, welcomes the first large solar farm to West Virginia. The chamber shared that adding solar energy to Raleigh County does not create an “either – or” scenario with different forms of energy generation. The chamber also shared in a recent press release that it believes that “future economic growth in this area could benefit from the diversification of energy sources, including renewable energy options such as solar energy.” The project, Raleigh Solar developed by Dakota Renewable Energy, is expected to bring in a $40 million economic investment to the county, $55.1 million to the state and the creation of 400 jobs during construction. BRCC President and CEO Michelle Rotellini stated, “The BRCCC supports an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy options to ensure the future economic growth of Beckley-Raleigh County and all of Southern West Virginia. The Chamber stands with energy providers as they continue to diversify and is excited to partner with them as they expand into new forms of energy.” Rotelleni continued, “We believe that this opportunity is a positive step in attracting new businesses and commerce.”

Chamber board member Joe Bevil of Beaver Coal Company shared further, “As a Board of Director for the Chamber of Commerce, I feel that having a solar farm constructed in Raleigh County could attract new outside businesses to our area which would be beneficial for the overall business climate in Raleigh County.” While excitement is building for solar in the area, Rotelleni shared the county is already home to alternative energy development with the New River Clean Energy Project. The facility transforms landfill gas comprised of approximately 50% methane gas into clean energy and creates enough electricity for over 1,000 homes. “The Chamber stands with energy providers as they continue to diversify and is excited to partner with them as they expand into new forms of energy,” Rotellini stated. Read the complete BRCCC-Solar press release here. The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC) is the leading business advocacy organization in Raleigh County and works on behalf of its members to improve the economic climate and foster positive action on issues of common concern. For more information about the economic benefits of renewable energy development, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com or at (419) 203-1566.

Pictured above: Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce

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Multi-Billion Dollar Ohio Solar Industry and Its Benefits to Ohio Communities

Last week over 125 chamber and business leaders from Ohio participated in CICE’s solar webinar co-hosted by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and First Solar. See why one attendee said it was "by far the best information I have seen on solar." Attendees heard from experts about the multi-billion dollar economic benefits utility scale solar brings for Ohio communities and the opportunity to create thousands of jobs. The webinar featured: Brian Dicken from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the chamber's engagement in solar and energy policy Becky Campbell from First Solar, who detailed the state of solar across the nation and in Ohio Jeremy Faust from Fifth Third Bank, who talked about the organization's commitment to clean energy Mike Volpe from Open Roads Renewables, who gave a detailed description of the developer’s role and timeline of a solar project Gilbert L. Michaud from Ohio University, who previewed key findings from the newly published study on the economic impacts of Ohio utility scale solar. Check out our Ohio page to: Watch the highly acclaimed webinar Click through the PowerPoint slides Browse the newly released economic report View the one page economic summary

Co-hosted by

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Ohio Chambers Publicly Support Development of Two Solar Projects That Will Deliver Millions to Local Economies

Chamber Leaders and Ohio Speaker Larry Householder Celebrate Groundbreaking for Ohio’s Largest Solar Project

The Ohio solar industry recently achieved a major milestone when Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder helped break ground on the state's largest utility scale solar project to date: a 200-MW Hillcrest Solar farm in Brown County, powered by Ohio-made First Solar panels. Leaders from the Brown County Ohio and the Highland County Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Brown County economic development director welcomed Speaker Householder, who spoke at the ceremony and picked up a shovel to break ground on the project. Noting this development was directly aligned with the Chamber’s mission to enhance economic growth in the Brown County area, Board Chair Darrin Schneider said they were very glad to support the project. “We thank the Speaker for his personal engagement in a project that he described as ‘something really big for the state of Ohio,’” said Schneider. “He’s demonstrating great leadership, and we look forward to a continued partnership with Speaker Householder. The anticipated tax base growth, new career pathways, and the opportunity to strengthen our community should provide well for many aspects of our county." The Hillcrest Solar project that will produce enough energy to power 39,000 homes and will be a major contributor to the local and Ohio economies by: creating 300 construction jobs (80% of which state law requires be Ohio residents) generating approximately $69 million in wages generating $60 million in property taxes to Brown County, Western Brown School District, and Green Township utilizing solar panels manufactured by Ohio's own First Solar growing the local supply chain to service the project and support its employees The development will also help pay to develop a solar career training program at Southern State Community College.

Photo Above: Darrin Schneider, Chairman of the Board, Brown County Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Destiny Bryson, Executive Director, Highland County Chamber of Commerce greet Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder at the groundbreaking for the Hillcrest Solar project.

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Highland County Chamber Supports and Provides Educational Opportunities for Willowbrook Solar

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce, in February, hosted a widely attended forum that convened elected officials, ag experts, and the community at large to update them on efforts to support agricultural communities, including solar energy development. The event, titled, “Ag is Everyone’s Business,” was headlined by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who talked about the importance of helping farmers and developing rural areas. Solar development was then addressed as one of three agricultural business sessions. Attendees in the solar energy business session learned about the Willowbrook Solar Project, one of Ohio’s first utility-scale solar projects, sited for construction within Highland County. Representatives of the project developers, RWE Renewables America LLC and Open Road Renewables, presented facts about the project and answered questions.

Destiny Bryson, Executive Director of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce Ohio Governor Mike Dewine

Additionally, in the week leading up to the forum, Ohio State University Ag Extension experts provided training sessions to farmers on how to negotiate solar leases. “A large, utility-scale project such as Willowbrook Solar will be a reliable source of income for farmers and a very good source of tax revenue for schools and local governments in the years to come,” said Highland County Chamber Executive Director Destiny Bryson. “We’re helping to answer questions from farmers, contractors, workers, and the community at large who want to understand how solar development can be an opportunity for them.” At a capacity of 150 Megawatts, the Willowbrook Solar Project will be constructed and operate within an approximately 2,200-acre area of privately owned land approximately 2 miles east of Mowrystown, Ohio and is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million annually to the local tax base. Willowbrook intends to begin construction this year and place the facility in service in 2021.

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COVID-19 Postponement: Solar Tour for Chamber Leaders

The tour of First Solar’s manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, co-hosted by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, originally scheduled for March 25, will be rescheduled for a future date amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Once a new date is selected, the day will feature networking with peer chamber leaders, a tour of First Solar and a nearby solar development, and a roundtable discussion over lunch.

Please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com if you’d like to attend this event once a new date has been identified.

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Why would six North Carolina Chambers of Commerce send an urgent letter to the State General Assembly?

Six North Carolina Chamber directors, representing hundreds of businesses in rural regions, emphasized in a letter to legislators that wind and solar energy projects deliver extraordinary economic benefits to their communities including new jobs, new tax revenues and landowner lease payments.

"Many of our communities have struggled to attract new jobs, business opportunities and major investments for decades. In recent years, however, we've welcomed new economic development opportunities and businesses, including wind and solar energy project developers, service providers, manufacturing companies, research and educational institutions, engineering, architects, construction firms and contractors, and other businesses engaged in the renewable energy sector."

Their primary request to legislators- support policies that allow the renewable industry to thrive in the northeastern part of North Carolina, thereby sending a clear signal to companies and investors that the state is open for business.

See the complete letter here. If you would like more information about North Carolina Chambers of Commerce and their interest in renewable energy, please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com

SunEnergy1's Summit Farm Solar together with two other area solar farms in Currituck County, NC generate $225,244 annually in new, local tax revenue.

Amazon Wind Farm US East operated by Avangrid Renewables is now the largest taxpayer in both Pasquotank and Perquimans counties in NC bringing in $640,000 in annual tax revenue.

ACCE Chamber of the Year Knows a Winning Project When It Sees One

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the 2017 Chamber of the Year, is wise to trends -- from the economic to the demographic.

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, like those Gillenwater has led before, is also very effective at what chambers do best: driving economic development. The chamber drove more than a half-billion dollars in economic impact from July 2015 to December 2017, according to a recent report.

So it should perhaps come as no surprise that when its member -- the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport -- recently announced that it was positioned to become the first airport in the nation to be 100 percent powered by solar energy, Gillenwater championed the move.

"We applaud the Chattanooga Airport -- and our region -- for continuing to demonstrate such exciting and important leadership in energy innovation," Gillenwater said. The airport's transition to solar energy, which is being funded largely through federal grants, is expected to lower costs and make the airport energy self-sufficient.

Gillenwater has also observed that investment in renewable energy is important for communities that want to attract young talent.

"I think it is important today for chambers to be engaged in clean energy, as the millennial generation is very focused on these issues; and if you want to attract that kind of talent, it's critical to look at clean energy as a core value," she said. "Local chambers are perfectly positioned to lead this."

Read more in the Times Free Press.

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”.  

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.

10 + Local Chambers in MA Join Solar Affinity Partnership

More than 10 local chambers of commerce in Massachusetts are partnering with EnergySage Inc. to offer their member businesses an innovative and user-friendly online solar marketplace to shop for solar power. For chambers, this is a new non-dues revenue program, with chambers receiving donations when their member companies install solar.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and EnergySage launched a partnership in 2014 for local chambers to help their member companies install solar panels more quickly while saving money.

Last year, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce in Brockton, MA, pioneered the partnership with EnergySage. In addition to making the program available for its member businesses, the Metro South Chamber decided to install solar panels on its own building, the location where Thomas Edison perfected one of his greatest lighting innovations in the late 1800s. The Cape Cod Chamber soon followed suit, offering the program to its member companies.

Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, was the catalyst in helping nine additional local chambers participate in CICE’s EnergySage partnership.

“Lowering costs, saving time and creating local jobs is a winning combination that strengthens our member businesses and increases profits,” he said. “The EnergySage process makes it easy for businesses to receive multiple quotes instantly, learn about tax credits and explore potential long-term gains.”

The EnergySage Marketplace provides instant estimates of the costs and savings of solar with various financing options and the ability to include local companies in any price comparisons.

Diane Doucette, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, applauded Cooney’s efforts in reaching out to other area chambers.

“We launched our partnership with EnergySage knowing that it was a ‘win-win’ for local chambers and their member companies,” she said. “Chris is an enthusiastic ambassador, turning our vision into a reality across Massachusetts.”

New participating chambers include: the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, Blackstone Valley Chamber, North Suburban Chamber, Neponset Valley Chamber, Nashoba Valley Chamber, Stoughton Chamber, Taunton Area Chamber, Greater Chicopee Chamber, and North Central Chamber.