Powering the Future

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA • SB 1416 “Reregulation” (2007)

-12% Voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Goal by 2022

• The Virginia Energy Plan (2007)-20% Goal of Increased In-State Energy Production Through Renewable Sources

• The Tobacco Commission Energy Research Grants (2008)-Grant to Clean Energy Business Incubator Center, S. Boston-Grant to Sustainable Energy Technology Center, Danville

• The Virginia Energy Legislative Commission (2008)-Strong Endorsement of Biofuels

Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA, cont’d

• RENEW Virginia (Governor Kaine’s Initiative, 2008)“In today’s economy, we can turn our energy challenges into an opportunity,” Governor Kaine said. “Our goal is to position the Commonwealth as a leader in alternative energy generation, energy conservation, and research and development. By developing a green energy industry here, we will not only move towards a more environmentally responsible approach to addressing our growing energy needs, but we will also help stimulate Virginia’s economy.”

• The Governor’s Commission on Climate Change (2008)-13 Recommendations Related to Alternative & Renewable Energy (Included in your packet of info)

Recent Highlights of Renewable Energy Public Policy in VA, cont’d

Governor Kaine’s Presentation to the Money Committees (Today)

-$1 Million Individual Income Tax Credit Fund for Solar and Wind Units

-$1 Million Corporate Income Tax Credit Fund for Solar & Wind

-Sales Tax Exemption For Residential Solar and Wind Purchases

Secretary Of Natural Resources, Preston Bryant’s RTD Op-Ed (Today)

Looking Ahead to 2009 in the Virginia General Assembly • General Assembly Session Convenes January 14

-Governor Kaine’s “Year of the Environment/RENEW Virginia Year”

-Legislation filed dealing with energy & environmental issues (Gov. Kaine’s Legislative Agenda, Sen. Whipple, Sen. Wagner, Del. Hogan, etc.)

-Massive Budget Shortfall: $2.8B-$3.5B

Looking Ahead to 2009 with President Obama & Congress • Economic Stimulus Package/Green Jobs

• Energy Czar Carol Browner to coordinate renewable policy from the White House

• Senator-Elect Mark Warner & Congressman Eric Cantor will likely take point in the VA Congressional Delegation on renewable energy issues

• Federal RPS Goal: -President Obama: 10% by 2012 & 25% by 2025 -Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chair, Jeff Bingaman 15% by 2020

• Tax Credits Extension/Expansion

The Need to Speak with a Unified Voice

• Silo Approach vs. Broad Industry Approach

• With Scarce Resources, Plan Strategically

• Constant Visibility is Essential

Mission Statement

The Virginia Alternative and Renewable Energy Association (VA-AREA) promotes the development, commercialization and use of alternative and renewable energy to foster business and legislative climates where renewable and alternative forms of energy are utilized to meet the Commonwealth’s growing energy demands while improving its economy, environment and sustainability.

Goals & Objectives • Serve as a unified voice and organization representing the alternative and renewable energy producers, partners and industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Promote alternative and renewable energy development, commercialization and use in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Foster a business and legislative climate where alternative and renewable energy including hydroelectric, wind, solar, bio mass, bio fuels, tidal/current, geothermal, waste and hydrogen contribute to the economy through investments and job creation.

Goals & Objectives, cont’d

• Enhance the well-being and sustainability of Virginia's environment and valuable natural resources.

• Provide education, advice and support for policy makers, citizens and relevant state entities including the General Assembly, State Corporation Commission and Department of Environmental Quality, among others.

• Serve as a forum for members to share innovation, identify common objectives and discuss differences in policy.

Goals & Objectives, cont’d

• Develop positive relationships with key policy and decision makers and initiate a collaborative, coordinated approach to achieve alternative and renewable energy policies and industry objectives that generate a favorable business climate and foster growth.

• Encourage the establishment of strategic partnerships between the alternative and renewable energy industry, the Commonwealth of Virginia and its institutions of higher learning to promote research and development.

• Highlight the economic benefits, job and investment opportunities that the renewable and alternative energy industry contributes to Virginia.

Goals & Objectives, cont’d

• Identify barriers to the development and commercialization of alternative and renewable forms of energy in Virginia and develop solutions to address these challenges.

• Evaluate the progress of current voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and invoke free-market competition to increase Virginia's voluntary RPS objectives.

• Monitor proposed legislation and regulations pertinent to the renewable and alternative energy industry, advocating for or against when necessary.

Goals & Objectives, cont’d

• Assist the Commonwealth in meeting the goals pertaining to renewable and alternative forms of energy as set forth by the Virginia Energy Plan and the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change.

• Work with Virginia's Congressional delegation to advance federal pro-growth policy recognizing that the federal government will play a vital role in the next decade as it explores opportunities to achieve energy independence.

Benefits of Membership • Representation of the industry before Virginia’s top policy makers and elected officials

• Weekly news clip summary with timely news and in-depth reports on emerging trends, developments and the status of public policy initiatives that advance the renewable and alternative energy industry

• Grassroots activity aimed at influencing legislators and making the industry’s voice heard

• Talking points and background information useful for educating legislators and policy makers

Benefits of Membership, cont’d

• Quarterly newsletter

• Access to members only Web site (under development)

• Free copy of the membership directory

• Company’s listing in the membership directory and online

• Invitation to the Virginia Alternative and Renewable Energy Association (VA-AREA) annual conference

Benefits of Membership, cont’d

• Discounted registration and exhibiting fees at the annual VA-AREA conference

• Numerous networking opportunities for companies to achieve greater exposure before the public and private sectors

• Expanded benefits and services as the association grows

Membership Levels

Academic/Non-Profit $250 (Educator, Researcher, Environmental Advocates, Local Governments, Academic/Research Institutions)

Level 1 Membership $500 (Businesses with revenues under $5 Million)

Level 2 Membership $1000 (Businesses with revenues under $100 Million, but over $5 Million)

Level 3 Membership $2500 (Businesses with revenues under $1 Billion, but over $100 million)

Level 4 Membership $5000 (Businesses with revenues under $2 Billion, but over $1 Billion)

Level 5 Membership $7500 (Businesses with revenues over $2 Billion)

Conclusion/Questions?

www.va-area.org