Virginia, showing how to do it
That Democratic trifecta in Virginia is showing how it’s done. From this overview from Canary Media, here are some of the initiatives they’re taking to promote cleaner, faster-to-deploy, and – maybe most important in this economy – cheaper energy solutions:
A slew of bills that would maximize use of the state’s grid, pave the way for more batteries and solar arrays of all sizes, and take other steps to lower energy bills are poised to become law with Spanberger’s signature in the coming weeks.
…the state hasn’t wavered from a law mandating 100% carbon-free electricity by midcentury — even as the Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to derail Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, the largest offshore wind farm in the country
In the face of ongoing self-defeating anti-clean-energy nonsense from the Trump administration, it’s up to states, counties, cities, HOAs, PTAs – whoever! – to do the work of moving away from fossil fuels. Virginia understands the assignment.
Democrats’ strategy for tackling those worries was twofold, said VanValkenburg: to boost solar and storage, and to better utilize existing transmission and distribution infrastructure. “These are the two things we can do that are the cheapest, the fastest to get online, and the fastest way to save ratepayers money,” he said.
He nailed it: we have the solutions right now, and they are cheap and fast. These politicians know they can score quick, solid, and lasting wins. Even when the nation is dragged into unnecessary wars.
“Storage is really a critical affordability component, especially over the long term,” said Nate Benforado, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. “If we can build storage, that is going to obviate the need for a lot of this gas, which is expensive and risky for customers.” Noting the war in the Middle East as the latest global conflict to impact fossil fuel prices, Benforado added, “If we continue to invest in gas infrastructure, expect your bills to go up and up.”
I loved this article, too, for this insight:
“There were a whole lot more from other members,” said Hernandez [sponsor of several key pieces of clean energy legislation]. “This moment that we’re in is all about having 1,000 great ideas, because there’s no one thing you can do to fix every problem.”
That’s the spirit! “1,000 great ideas” is exactly what we need. Couple that with the crazy rate of innovation happening with solar (and wind, and batteries), and we have our work cut out for us. We need to stop wringing our hands, stop waiting for some silver bullet, and start doing the work. Go, Virginia!