Thu Sep 30
I'm at Hartford Public High School for a Forum on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency sponsored by the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association, Inc. (“REEBA”), the Hartford law firm of Murtha Cullina LLP and Hartford High School’s Academy of Engineering & Green Technology and Law and Government Academy. (http://www.murthalaw.com/files/reeba_...) I will try to find a link to thevideo they are making.
They are hosting Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy who will address his position and plans to promote renewable energy and efficiency in Connecticut, and will answer questions on the topic. Although with only about 60 people in the audience, the candidate probably wishes he is spending time with a larger group, but hopefully we are a key group.
The program started with a REEBA Director explaining what they are, then a student described the impressive goals of her Engineering & Green Technology Academy. She went on to give a well written introduction to the topic of green energy. Next up was a student who decribed the Law and Government Academy.
Dube McDowell (?) intoduced Dan Malloy and asked the questions submittedby participants and showed to him just before he gotup to speak.
Mr.Malloy started out by congratulating the students and pointing out that he started an Academy in Stanford and the alternate energy projects he started.
Wouldhe have vetoed bill 493? Response: it would not have reached veto stage, he will work closely with the legislature and would have signed a similar bill. He will have an energy advisor.
CT is ranked asa leader - will he work to restore funds taken from clean energy fund? Response: he will drive down the cost of electricity through technology investment and bring back jobs. Taking the money was not responssible and was the fault of both parties. Our governemtn is "solidly broke". No, he would not havetaken them.
Solar Carve-out and S-REC. Response: he is a strong supporter of solar incentives
Question missed
How can CT create a sustainablemarket for renewable e enrgy? We need to support the industry while driving down costs. What will drive long term? Drive down costs short term, support renewable enegy long term.
Consolidate CCEF and and CEEF? Yes, combine with with other agencies, he promises to consolidate state agencies.
DPUC role? He needs to study itmore.
Further incentives? more conservation to reduce consumption 15%, needs a balance.
Better building codes? yes
green job trining? lets not teach how to build outdated building, get rid of roadblocks to change - make buidings more eficiency, make sure high tech companies have what they need.
several questions and responses not recorded here because i was listening so hard.
CT is lousy at accumulating best practices. We don't always need a unique to CT solution. We need to take 4 layers of management out of every part of governemt.
Noticible by absence were any questions about completly eliminating fossil fuel use.
The questions I submitted when I registered are:
How would you as Governor propose that Connecticut become carbon neutral within the next ten years and net energy positive within 20 years as will be required to bring the carbon dioxide equivalent concentration in the atmosphere back to the 350 parts per million necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change?
Are you willing to require state and local governments to increase their use of renewable energy resources by five percent every year?
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Strategic plan calls for increasing participation in the CT Clean Energy Option to 3% in the next two years; will you support 100% non-carbon emission energy within 10 years?