Hearing on Clean Energy Opportunity Act

A short hearing (30 minutes) on the Clean Energy Opportunity Act is included on the agenda for a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism with the Interim Joint Committee on Labor and Industry. The hearing will take place at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont (just off I-65 in Bullitt County).

The Clean Energy Opportunity Act is a bill offered by Rep. Mary Lou Marzian and 13 other legislators. It asks utilities in Kentucky to gradually increase their renewable energy generation and do more to help their customers save energy. The bill sets renewable and efficiency targets that are similar to those adopted by Ohio and North Carolina 7-8 years ago. A majority of states have already passed similar laws, which have proven to be an effective driver of clean energy production and jobs.  The Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance is urging support of this clean energy policy to create jobs, energy savings and improved health across our Commonwealth.

A 2012 study by Synapse Energy Economics determined that the proposal would generate 28,000 net new jobs in Kentucky and reduce average electric bills by 8-10% compared to a business as usual scenario over the next decade.

In addition to Representative Marzian, there will be a panel of clean energy experts and advocates including:

• Johnny Miller: Founder and President of Earthwell Energy Management
• Chris Woolery: Program Coordinator for How$martKY, a program for financing home energy efficiency upgrades
• Josh Bills: Program Coodinator of Energy Efficient Enterprises for MACED
• Eric Dixon: Coordinator of Policy and Community Engagement for Appalachian Citizens Law Center in Whitesburg
• Randy Strobo: Attorney with Downey-Strobo who can speak to specific components of the legislation