This morning, KFTC announced the formation of the New Power PAC – a new political action committee, designed to lift up the voices of ordinary Kentuckians in the critical elections underway this fall.

At a Frankfort press conference, KFTC Chairperson K.A. Owens described the need for the PAC:

“We are forming the New Power PAC because somebody needs to tell the story about the need for New Power in Kentucky – new economic power, new political power, and new energy power. Somebody has to tell the story about the opportunity we have to create clean energy jobs and affordable renewable energy. And somebody needs to speak the truth about the harm done by our dependence on old power.”

Over the coming weeks KFTC will communicate directly with thousands of Kentucky voters, making sure they understand candidates’ positions on New Power issues such as the opportunity for clean energy and the true costs of coal, Owens said. “And we will demonstrate to candidates that there is a significant base of support for new power and a brighter and cleaner future in Kentucky.”

While KFTC is already involved in a lot of this work, having a PAC connected to KFTC allows it to continue in new and expanded ways.

“Kentucky needs new leadership – and new power – as much as any place I know,” said Teri Blanton at the press conference. “We need leaders with the courage to support a transition to a new economy and stop the destruction, or we will be left with nothing.”

Along with the PAC, KFTC announced the New Power Pledge as a way to show public support for these new policies and leadership. They are asking people to sign a pledge to support candidates and officials who will work for “new power.”

The pledge is highlighted on a new website, and there is a companion New Power Facebook page.

Megan Naseman KFTC cited a 2008 survey that showed more than 70 percent of Kentuckians believe that transitioning to renewable energy sources and increasing efficiency should be the state’s top energy priorities – numbers they believe candidates should be paying attention to.

“Right now, today, Kentucky has the opportunity to embrace clean energy solutions that will create good jobs, keep energy affordable, foster new industries and protect our health,” said Naseman, the Madison County steering committee rep. “Our state has the technology and know-how. We have the renewable resources. And we have the workers and entrepreneurs to be leaders in the new energy economy."

A report issued this week by four national small business associations determined that 1.9 million jobs in the United States have been lost because of the failure of elected officials to pass clean energy legislation.

“We know that Kentucky loses ground with every day that our leaders coddle the coal industry and refuse to face the future,” Naseman said. “Kentuckians can’t afford political leaders who are unable or unwilling to seize this moment and make the most of it. It’s time for new power!”