Gov. Scott is right on energy policy

Earlier this year Gov. Phil Scott announced his plan to continue Vermont's long-term goal of receiving 90% of our energy from renewable sources by 2050. This aggressive goal may seem lofty to some, but as the past few years have shown us, not only is this goal attainable, but it can continue to help us accelerate the burgeoning industry of quality, high-tech jobs in the clean energy sector.

According to the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund, from 2013 to 2016 our clean energy economy grew by 20% and now employs over 17,700 people representing about 6% of our state's workforce. This represents the highest per capita number of people working in clean energy jobs in the country.

Innovative, job creating, Vermont based companies are at the center of this growing industry. These businesses offer competitive wages and help attract new development into our state while also keeping our young people from searching of careers elsewhere.

Renewable energy development, as is with any development, is not without its difficulties though. It is important that as we work to reach our goals we keep local input at the center of the conversation and that our energy planning process helps communities and considers constraints that impact development.

Recent solar projects are some of the many examples of renewable energy development that is not only well-sited but community focused. This is a model for future renewable energy develop and together with other renewables, will help us to reach our goals.

Greater energy efficiency can also continue to work as Vermont's first fuel. By this, we mean that every watt of energy a business, municipality or family home doesn't need is one less watt that will not need to be procured in the future. Efficiency measures come in many shapes and sizes. Better insulated buildings, LED lighting and improved heating units are just some of the low hanging fruit we have begun to take advantage of.

Energy efficiency has also yielded some immediate returns from Vermont ratepayers. The Energy Action Network's 2015 annual report showed that from 2000 to 2014, Vermonters saved $48 million from investments in electric energy and that by the end of 2025, ratepayers will have saved more than $400 million through energy efficiency utilities. As we continue with efficiency measures, we can help decrease our state's future energy needs while producing real savings for ratepayers.

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