Moran Continues to Go Green

Former delegate Brian Moran, a Democratic candidate for governor, released an ambitious plan to create tens of thousands of new jobs by positioning Virginia as a leader in efforts to protect the environment.
At an event in Norfolk, which was followed by a conference call with reporters, Moran called for a major expansion of wind and solar power. As governor, Moran said he would also push to require that 25 percent of the state's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025 and offer extensive incentives to companies and individuals who invest in green buildings and high-mileage vehicles. He also proposed the creation of The Center for Green Technology to "jumpstart" university research and help launch energy technology parks.
"It certainly will be the most progressive, innovative job creating plan you will see in this campaign," said Moran, who later added, "The connection between energy and our economy has never been so profound."
Instead of allowing drilling off Virginia's coast, Moran said he wants to place windmills offshore to generate more electricity. Moran, who opposes a new coal-fired power plant proposed for Surry County, said windmills can also be constructed in Southwest Virginia.
Moran, who is facing Sen. R. Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe in the June 9 primary, has been trying hard in recent weeks to position himself as the biggest advocate for the environment in the race.
By
Tim Craig
|
January 29, 2009; 2:35 PM ET
Categories:
2009 Governor's Race
,
Brian J. Moran
,
Tim Craig
Save & Share:
Previous: With Moran Absent, Deeds Vows to Help Alicia
Next: Could Kaine Be "Miserable" at DNC?
Posted by: ToddMSmyth | January 29, 2009 3:15 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
I'm a huge Moran fan but even I'm shocked at how clear this section is on Decoupling. This would mean real energy efficiency and I assume we will also need to pick up 6 seats in the HoD to make this work? But it is great to have someone leading the way on this.
"Incentivizing Efficiency Through Electricity Decoupling
Brian Moran believes that we can harness the power of market forces to increase energy efficiency. He understands that there is a clear disincentive for electric utilities to become more energy efficient because they are compensated based on the amount of energy they produce - the more electricity they produce, the more money they make. That's why Brian Moran supports electricity decoupling, which gives utilities a financial incentive to become more efficient. Electricity decoupling unties a utility's earnings from the amount of energy it produces, thereby compensating them for increases in efficiency as well. By aligning the incentives of utilities with our efficiency goals, Virginia can create a win-win solution for utilities and the environment."
Here is the full plan:
Green Virginia - Building the 21st Century Energy Economy
http://brianmoran.com/issues/energy-environment