The following information is cross-posted with the Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance.

Rep. Harry Moberly (D-Madison County) has filed a bill in the Kentucky legislature that would launch a clean energy future for Kentucky. The legislation, HB 408, sets energy efficiency and renewable energy goals for Kentucky in order to grow high quality local jobs, help stabilize long-term energy prices, and promote good health. 

HB 408 requires Kentucky’s utilities to generate 12.5% of their retail sales from renewable sources by the year 2020, up from about 2% in 2007. The bill also asks utilities to develop energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their electricity use by 10.25% over the next decade. Those targets are similar to goals already adopted in several nearby states, including Ohio and North Carolina. The bill builds on momentum created by the federal stimulus program by providing long-term support for comprehensive weatherization programs that help lower income households save money and energy. A provision called a feed-in tariff also expands incentives for renewable energy production without additional cost to the state budget.

“I’m excited about any policy that helps families save money and energy by becoming more energy efficient,” said Mary Love, a member of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. “This bill provides incentives that can help everyday Kentuckians improve the energy efficiency of our homes. We’ll save money on our power bills, and help create good jobs in all areas of the state. Lowering our energy use also diminishes the need for expensive new power plants, and leads to cleaner air and water and more healthy living conditions for us all.”

For more information, visit www.kysea.org.