The American Clean Energy And Security Act (ACES) just passed the house,
219-212. Rep. Perriello
voted for the bill. In
a statement released by Perriello, he emphasized the positive effects of the bill with special recognition of the Southside. Saith Perriello:
Today we declare America’s energy independence and provide a blueprint for building the energy jobs and technology of the future right here at home. America can still out-innovate any other country on earth, and we cannot give in to those who doubt America’s ability to lead once more. Perhaps once in a generation we have the opportunity to revolutionize our economy in a way that creates for future generations the kind of jobs and opportunities that we inherited through the sacrifices of our parents. Today we reverse not only the hemorrhaging of energy sector jobs, but also the flood of our citizens’ dollars to those who would threaten our security.
[...]
Southside Virginia will be one of the winners under this bill, accelerating its ascendance to being the future energy capital of Virginia. In a carbon-constrained economy, we will see a resurgence of nuclear power. We can convert former tobacco farms into future biomass producers. And we can see farm and municipal waste turned into power. This bill, particularly the elements those of us from rural districts negotiated, will spur investments in biomass fuels that can flourish on former tobacco farms. We can convert manure on our cattle and poultry farms into power and finally get some profits back to our hard-working farmers. We will not turn this economy around by hiding from our problems, but by having the courage to reinvent our competitive advantage.
Today is a vote for America over petro-dictators. It is a vote for innovation over the erosion of our jobs. It is vote for demanding American leadership rather than settling for a slow slide behind India, China and other competitors. A vote against this bill is a vote to weaken this country, put our people at risk, and sit on the sidelines while we hemorrhage jobs. A vote for this bill is a vote for America’s security, her innovative spirit, good jobs for our citizens, and the future of our country.
Perriello's statement also included quotes from a local green energy businessman, the President of the National Farmers Union, and an Iraq war veteran who works for Veterans Green Jobs. Because of the proximity to my house and the location here in Southside, I want to highlight one other quote. Dean Price, owner of Red Birch Energy, a closed-loop biodiesel gas station a couple miles from my house, said:
“This legislation will allow more American entrepreneurs and farmers like me to grow and sell our own energy. These kind of jobs can’t be outsourced and will be a huge part of a new economy and business model in Southern Virginia. I applaud Congressman Perriello for his brave stance and leadership to make our nation energy independent.”
On a similar note,
Lowell and
Lloyd Snook dissect today's development of a right-wing smear against Perriello, specifically regarding Perriello's vote on ACES. I can't really offer more than them, except to say that, while I was listening to Rush Limbaugh today, I actually heard Limbaugh
regurgitate this claim.
1 comment:
Thanks for the Lowell and Snook links, Drew. Bravo to Perriello for taking a stand on a bill that will change the face of how this country does business. Sacrifices? Yes. But, it's the first application of brakes on an out-of-control petrol-based economy that does, indeed, threaten the strength of this country.
What I don't like to see is "a resurgence of nuclear power." Delaware and New Jersey today are stepping out ahead of the rest of the east coast states in developing offshore wind power. Virginia has enough water to test new generation hydropower projects as well as the mountains and seashore that can lead the east coast in wind power. Individuals can take advantage of solar power and conservation to reduce the need for energy sources and biofuels may be an option, especially for the fifth district.
Nuclear is not carbon neutral and it relies upon a nonrenewable energy source - uranium. But, you've heard my 'preaching' on this topic before. Just know everytime I see a bid for nuclear power in your blog, I will address it. =)
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