Is Garbage the New Green?

Is Garbage the New Green? Anybody out there want to buy “clean energy” produced by garbage incineration? Can you see any of our business customers putting up a banner at their store saying, “100% powered by garbage burning?” The answers to those questions in the real world of the free market would be “no” and “no.” But in the bizaro land that Annapolis can sometimes be, a majority of our political leaders voted FOR a bill to include garbage incineration as a clean, renewable energy resource along with wind and solar and voted AGAINST requiring the utilities to support offshore wind power. I guess in Annapolis, garbage is the new “green.”

The Maryland General Assembly’s 2011 Session is thankfully over. They can’t do any more damage. But let’s see what they did manage to accomplish in their three months of work. Check out this year’s list of bills that made it or got killed, followed by my own “Thanks” and “Spanks” for some of our elected officials. It’s a long blog, but worth the read, trust me.

Bills – Good News

Pepco… errr, “utility” reliability standards (HB 391/SB 692) The General Assembly passed a bill to require our state’s utilities to meet certain reasonable standards for service and power reliability or face penalties. The bill was a priority of the Governor’s and was supported by the Montgomery County delegation. Once implemented, this bill will hopefully put Pepco at the top of the nation in terms of service to its customers, instead of near the bottom where it appears to have been comfortably ensconced for years.

Consumer Choice Education - This bill requires that Maryland create a web site to provide consumers more information about customer electricity choice and direct them to the various options they have. It works well in other states, such as Pennsylvania, where consumers have more information available at their fingertips. An educated consumer is the best thing for the electricity market, as that will discourage some of these multi-level marketers and others who offer shady deals on “variable” pricing and make specious claims about supporting green power.

Electric Vehicles The Governor put forth several bills to start Maryland on the extremely important path of building an infrastructure for electric vehicles. As these vehicles become more available, states will be competing for the jobs associated with the industry, and building the consumer base that the market needs. Governor O’Malley’s bills put Maryland ahead of other states in starting to formulate the rules we need to build a strong electric vehicle market here.

Solar Thermal RECs This bill allows solar thermal heating systems to qualify for the state’s Solar Renewable Portfolio Standard. In plain English, it means that residents and businesses will be able to get solar thermal systems (to replace nat gas water heating, for example) at significantly reduced costs. It will lead to large growth in the solar thermal industry, bringing more green jobs and economic activity to Maryland.

Benefit LLC Last year, Maryland become one of the first state’s in the nation to legally recognized the designation of “Benefit Corp” for corporations that put sustainability and transparency into their operating documents and register with the state. It’s a way for companies that really walk the green walk to distinguish their operations from the companies that just talk green, or do it as a marketing ploy. But the legislature forgot to include LLC’s, a fairly common form of business in the state, as part of this designation. Now, they have corrected this mistake and opened the doors for “Benefit LLCs.” You can bet that a certain local green energy company you know will be the first to achieve this designation when the law goes into effect on June 1st!

Bills – Bad News

Garbage Burning - In one of the wackier moves I’ve seen in my 11 years following the Maryland General Assembly, our elected leaders reversed their 2004 vote on the state’s clean energy standard and decided that garbage burning is actually clean and renewable after all. What new information caused our legislators to wake up and change their mind? Nothing. The situation is exactly the same as it was back in 2004. Garbage is still garbage. The environmental community was uniformly opposed, as it was back in 2004. The garbage incinerators in Maryland are still operating just as they were in 2004. The only seeming difference between now and 2004 is that the leadership of the House and Senate (and the Governor’s office) all pushed hard for classifying garbage as green, whereas in 2004 they didn’t. Also, legislators saw this bill as a quick way to bilk ratepayers of some money that could be sent to counties that run these plants (ie. a tax that nobody will know about). The other difference – in 2004 all the usual good environmental champions in the legislature stood firmly against garbage burning, whereas this year some of them went over to the other side (see “garbage gang” below). So, the bill will charge us ratepayers to put money in the owners of garbage incinerators in Maryland (plants that don’t need our money). This makes any claim by lawmakers who oppose the offshore wind bill on the grounds of “protecting ratepayers” extremely specious.

Offshore Wind This bill was a top priority of Governor O’Malley, supported by environmentalists, labor, and progressive businesses like Clean Currents. Still, the legislature didn’t pass it. The big argument appeared to be concern about cost to ratepayers, certainly a legitimate issue to discuss. But even when the Governor agreed to cap the cost to ratepayers, legislators didn’t budge. When faced with putting the cost of garbage incineration on ratepayers, our elected leaders had no problem voting yes. When asked to do the same for wind, they said no. Hmmmm…..

Renewable Energy Surcharge This was a bill that would have funded the Maryland Clean Energy Center, protected people already buying clean energy, and funded our efficiency, solar, wind, and geothermal programs. It was structured in a way that would have meant most residential ratepayers would pay no surcharge at all. It was killed because our elected leaders said they were going to vote for the offshore wind bill and didn’t want to vote for two charges in one year. Yeah, that worked out just like they told us it would!

Two Year Moratorium on Fracking in the Marcellus Shale- In the irony department - the weekend the New York Times and Washington Post run stories about a new report that says natural gas fracking in the Marcellus Shale and elsewhere is actually worse from a climate change perspective than coal power, the Maryland Senate killed a bill that would have required a couple of years of study on the environmental impact of fracking in Maryland. The House had passed the measure already. It would seem that this new study would give Senators pause to think maybe a couple of years more study is warranted. Not in Annapolis world, I guess.

THANKS

Delegate Derrick Davis – this is a mild “thanks.” The Chairman of the House Economic Matters actually did kill several good clean energy bills, and pushed hard for the “garbage is green” bill, but his strong support for offshore wind outweighs that. He just needs to get a little more decisive and move quicker next time, to enable advocates to round up the votes they need in the Senate for good bills.

Delegate Tom Hucker – He was the point man on the offshore wind bill in Economic Matters and the only Montgomery County delegate on the committee with the courage to vote against the “garbage is green” bill in committee.

Governor Martin O’Malley – He showed great leadership on offshore wind and pushed hard. He also put forth several good proposals on electric vehicles, which passed.

Delegate Heather Mizeur – This Montgomery County Delegate has already been a great force for more open government and now she’s taking on important environmental issues like natural gas fracking in the Marcellus Shale. Her leadership was strong.

SPANKS

Delegate Brian McHale – Of all people, Delegate McHale should have know better than to be the chief sponsor of the “garbage is green” bill. He was there in 2004 and knew how controversial this bill was. After implying to folks that he was just going through the motions on putting the bill in, he fought hard for it and is largely responsible for its passage.

Sen. Mac Middleton – The chief sponsor of the “garbage is green” bill in the Senate, Middleton is also in the category of “should have known better.” Not only did he support the bill, he did something I never saw in my 11 years in Annapolis. He fast tracked the bill. In fact, he had his committee vote on the bill the same day it was heard and immediately brought it to the Senate floor before anyone had a time to do outreach about it. He also gave short thrift to the renewable energy surcharge.

Delegate Ben Kramer – A disappointing start to his second term as a Delegate. Ben launched his first campaign for office prominently featuring him and his family in Chesapeake Bay settings, talking about his love for the environment. Yet this session he consistently remained unsympathetic to environmentally related bills. On offshore wind, he refused to come out for the bill, despite the many emails and calls he got from his constituents (including your’s truly). He supported the “garbage is green” bill, where he didn’t seem to mind giving ratepayer money for garbage incineration. Yet on offshore wind, he dismissed facts and arguments in favor of the bill while highlighting arguments against the bill. That doesn’t sound like a champion for protecting the Chesapeake. Let’s hope next year goes a little better.

Sen. EJ Pipkin – The Wall Street trader- turned politician has been consistent in his opposition to clean energy bills and his constant attack on customer choice for electricity. He is among the most powerful anti-clean energy forces in the Senate because of his position on the Finance Committee and his single-minded doggedness in fighting clean power.

The Garbage Gang

Finally, here are some of the legislators that want to sell you on “garbage is green.” Some of these folks come from very environmentally conscious districts. Some were endorsed by enviro groups, and even had enviro advocates actively campaign for them. Yet, when the garbage hit the fan, these people were all too willing to ignore their allies and vote for garbage power. This is not a comprehensive list. Just a few of the highlighted members of the garbage gang.

The House Garbage Gang: Del. Brian Feldman, Del. Cathy Dumais, Del. Anne Kaiser, Del. Charles Barkley, Del. Aruna Miller, Del. Brian McHale

The Senate Garbage Gang: Sen. Rob Garagiola (the only Senator from Montgomery County who voted for this controversial bill), Sen. Catherine Pugh, Sen. Anthony Muse, Sen. Jim Mathias, and Sen. Ulysses Currie.

The conclusion from all this is that we cannot ever take anything for granted. Concerned citizens have to constantly keep on top of their legislators to keep them honest.

The Home Stretch in Maryland

It’s down to the wire in Maryland’s General Assembly for any bills still alive in the closing week of this year’s session. Any bill not passed by Midnight on April 11th is dead for the year. This is the time that a little extra effort can sway those legislators sitting on the fence about a bill. Check out the status of a few key energy bills and then take action by contacting your local legislator (if you live in Maryland, of course!).

HB 1054/SB 861 – Offshore Wind – This bill is the top priority of the Governor’s office as well as a slew of environmental groups, labor unions, and even some businesses. It would bring offshore wind to Maryland, reducing our dependence on fossil fuel powered energy sources, bringing green jobs to our state, and reducing the amount of electricity Maryland imports. The Senate has indicated that it will wait for the House to move first on this bill. The House Economic Matters Committee is deliberating the bill now and could vote as early as today (Thursday). The vote will be close and could be decided by one Delegate’s decision to support the bill or not.

The utility (ie. Pepco) reliability bills are still alive. Two of the bills have been killed in committee, but the main bill is making progress and could pass.

HB 391/Sb 692 – passed both houses with amendments. Senator Frosh Amendment rejected.
HB 391/SB 692 – The House version (HB 391, chief sponsor is Montgomery County Delegate Brian Feldman (D-15). Most of the other MoCo legislators are on board with this and it was a O’Malley Administration priority. The bill passed the House and now awaits action in the Senate. The Senate version is sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mac Middleton (D-Charles County). Many MoCo Senators are on board as well. The bill passed the Senate, though a great Amendment to not allow rate increases to pay for downed wires, by Sen. Brian Frosh (D-MoCo) failed. This bill would require Pepco and the other utilities to achieve certain minimum performance standards or face serious penalties from the Public Service Commission. The bill would strive to put Pepco and the other utilities at the top of the class, rather than the bottom, nationally. The next step is for each chamber to pass the other chamber’s version, or alternatively go to conference and agree to compromise on any differences.

The other utility reliability bills were killed in committee.

HB 1278 – which would have prevented Pepco and others from charging customers for time when the power is out died in committee, but did get favorable votes from MoCo Delegates – Hucker, Kramer, Barkley, Feldman, and by Committee Vice Chair, David Rudolph.

HB 1171/SB 749 – The other utility reliability bill died in the Senate Finance Committee, receiving no favorable votes from any Senator.
Another bill that died recently is HB 1123/SB 715 – a bill that would have required utilities to enter into long term contracts for Solar RECs. It was supported by the solar industry and the environmental community, but the Senate Finance Committee voted it down.

Finally, a bill that would allow garbage incineration to count as clean energy like wind and solar in Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard is thankfully looking almost dead. The Senate version, SB 690, passed the Senate so quickly, the environmental community didn’t even have a chance to do any outreach to Senators about the bill. But the bill is now stuck in the House, looking like it will go nowhere after the environmental community and certain clean energy businesses let legislators know about the concerns with this piece.

Support Offshore Wind Power Testimony

The following is the testimony that Gary Skulnik will provide in support of Governor Martin O'Malley's bill to build offshore wind power off the Maryland coast.


On behalf of Clean Currents, a Rockville based clean energy marketer, I ask you to support HB 1054 with the attached amendments. The amendments we are offering address the following issues:

1.) Customers purchasing wind energy through electricity suppliers should be exempt from the surcharge.
2.) RECs should be sold to the voluntary market.
3.) Industrial ratepayers should share the burden with every other ratepayer.

Clean Currents is a unique energy marketer and we bring a very unique perspective to this important piece of legislation. We are the only energy marketer in Maryland that is exclusively focused on providing green power to our customers. We are the only energy marketer in Maryland that is certified as a B-Corp, a third party independent confirmation of our sustainable business operations. We are probably the only energy marketer in the state that is supporting this offshore wind energy bill. We support this bill because we know that we need to make a major energy transition in Maryland to address significant issues like clean air, climate change, in-state generation, and the creation of green jobs. The installation of offshore wind will do much to bring Maryland one step closer to a true clean energy future.

As an energy marketer, we believe in the benefit of the competitive market in Maryland. The competitive market benefits consumers and helps spur private sector growth. It also spurs innovative products and services that the traditional utilities are either too slow to adopt or unwilling to adopt. We do not believe that this bill will harm the competitive market in any meaningful way. It was written in a way that preserves the competitive market in Maryland.

We have three amendments we’d like to propose. We hope that the first two would be considered friendly amendments by the bill’s sponsors and supporters.

1. Marylanders who are purchasing wind energy through competitive electricity suppliers should be exempt from any surcharge for offshore wind.

It’s an issue of fairness, first and foremost. If a resident or business is already doing their part to support the creation of new clean energy generation, they should not be asked to pay twice. Also, if this amendment is not adopted, the bill may have the unintended consequence of depressing the voluntary clean energy market. I do not believe this is the intent of the bill’s sponsors. If consumers believe they would be paying for wind twice, they are less likely to switch to a wind energy product provided by a competitive energy supplier. Our ability to grow market share would be harmed if this amendment is not adopted.

There would be some implementation issues to resolve if this amendment is adopted, but they should not be overly difficult. Montgomery County managed to track clean energy purchases in conjunction with competitive energy suppliers and the utilities through its Clean Energy Rewards Program. The Public Service Commission could simply follow that model.

2. RECs should be allowed to be sold to whoever wants to buy them.

The current language in the bill requires the utilities to sell the RECs from the offshore wind projects to entities that will use them for compliance with the Maryland RPS. But what if a company like Clean Currents or others wants to buy additional RECs to sell to Marylanders as a “Maryland Wind” product? That should not be prohibited. In fact, if REC sales are opened up to any buyer, thus increasing the demand side, the price of these RECs is likely to go up, which will help keep the costs of the offshore wind to consumers down.

3. Industrial ratepayers should not be exempt from the surcharge at any level of usage.

The workers at large steel plants or other manufacturers stand the most to gain from the jobs associated with offshore wind production. In fact, the wind turbines used to produce offshore wind power have to be manufactured close to the place they would be used, so they cannot be made in China or India. They will almost certainly be made in Maryland or somewhere close. If the manufacturers are thus benefiting from this bill, they should share the cost of the bill with all the other ratepayers. This will help bring down the cost to the other ratepayers and would be the most fair thing to do.

In conclusion, Clean Currents has been proud to be actively supporting offshore wind for Maryland. We have helped get petitions signed, publicize events, and supported the lobbying efforts of the environmental advocacy groups. We ask you to give HB 1054 a FAVORABLE report with the amendments we are proposing.

Support Clean Energy Benefit Fund

Senate Bill 304, The Clean Energy Benefit Fund, provides a much needed stable source of funding for the promotion of vital clean energy business sectors in Maryland. The bill, sponsored by Senator Roger Manno (D-19) and Senator Rob Garagiola (D-15) would direct much of the funding to the newly established Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). MCEC provides an innovative, non-governmental structure where private businesses, the public, and others can come together to quickly develop programs or ideas to spark clean energy growth.

The bill is designed to encourage efficiency or on-site solar adoption. It puts a small charge on residential electric ratepayers for every kilowatt-hour above 1,000 they use in a given month. Importantly for many Clean Currents customers, if ratepayers are purchasing 100% green energy for their home, they are exempt from the charge. Thus, residents whose homes are more efficient, or who use solar, or buy green power will face no or very little charge.
The bill does not effect the Maryland budget – a very important thing to note in these tough budget times.
The bill is expected to raise $12 to $16 million a year. The money would be used to fund solar, geothermal, and small wind grants through the Maryland Energy Administration. It would also be used to fund energy efficiency programs/consumer incentives through MCEC. And it would fund other programs at MCEC, such as a technology innovation grant program.
From a clean energy business perspective, this bill will make Maryland a more attractive place to come. We already have a very good market design for green power (through customer choice), solar installations (though the state Renewable Portfolio Standard) and energy efficiency (through Empower Maryland). But we lack a stable, reliable funding source for programs and a powerful economic development catalyst like the MCEC. This bill would solve both of those problems, and bring new clean energy jobs to Maryland.
As a green power marketer and an environmentally conscious company, we firmly believe that there should be incentives for consumers to choose clean energy, whether it’s a clean energy generator on their roof such as a solar pv system, or its clean energy through efficiency measures, or clean electricity through providers like Clean Currents. Maryland and the Federal government have provided incentives for the first two options. Now it’s time to provide incentives for the clean electricity choice. Montgomery County successfully demonstrated how incentives can grow markets, create jobs and help the environment with its Clean Energy Rewards Program. Now the state can do so on a broader scale by the adoption of Senate Bill 304.
We applaud Senators Manno and Garagiola for their leadership on this bill. The hearing in the Senate Finance Committee is February 15th. If you’d like to help get it passed, please let us know! Email us at gogreen@cleancurrents.com

China at the Crossroads

Over the holidays, I had the privilege to be flown to China to speak to a conference of Chinese energy industry professionals about clean energy. I was treated extremely well and enjoyed the chance to see some incredible sites in Beijing and nearby. But most importantly, I valued the chance to throw my two cents into the conversation the Chinese are having about the next five to ten years of energy development. China is about to embark on its next five year plan and people are already discussing what the country’s energy future will look like. In my short time in Beijing, I could see that the country is at a critical crossroads as it relates to its (and the world’s) energy future.

The first thing that hits you when you arrive in Beijing is the air pollution. I’ve heard talk of it, but until you actually experience it, it’s hard to fathom. The air is literally thick. It’s smoky, as if there are a thousand campfires burning in your area. The other thing that hits you pretty quickly in Beijing is the traffic. It is the worst I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve lived in New York, DC, Atlanta and Miami. The roads are clogged with all kinds of cars and trucks, many of them looking fairly new.

China’s challenge, and it’s opportunity, in the next five year plan is to minimize the traffic and air pollution problems it faces by leaping forward to a clean energy economy. Specifically, it should invest heavily in electric vehicles and the infrastructure they need, mass transit and smart growth, and clean energy production.

The first step is to build more wind, solar and other renewable energy generation plants, along with transmission capacity to deliver the power. Even with increased efficiency and better conservation, China’s energy demand is only going to go up. Meeting that new demand with clean energy resources would be a major first step towards a cleaner environment.

The opportunity for electric vehicles in China is enormous. They are just now developing their infrastructure for gas powered vehicles. It is a great time to instead build out electric charging stations. Electric vehicles obviously would greatly contribute to cleaning up the air in cities like Beijing. But because they charge up at night and can put power back on the grid during the peak demand (daylight) hours, they also reduce the need for fossil fuel based peak power generation units.

Smart growth is a concept whereby communities build in urban centers, with work, play, and amenities all in a walkable community. Instead of building cities out, you build up. In China, it seems that most urban dwellers are already used to the idea of living in apartments, but in Beijing they’ve been building the city ever more outward to the point where it spreads out for miles in each direction. Rebuilding the city’s urban core and attracting new residents there will do much to alleviate the traffic problem.

At the energy conference, I spoke about much of this. The audience seemed receptive and frankly, many in China are already thinking about these ideas. There seems to be increasing recognition that China needs to drastically change its development course. Just a few days after I left, the government announced proposals to reduce the number of cars allowed in Beijing.

China is a very fascinating country and I hope to explore it more one day. We in the west have certainly made our share of mistakes in terms of energy choices and urban development. It would be a shame for China to follow those mistakes. Instead, they can learn from what we did wrong and move directly to the solutions phase. Not only would the Chinese people be better off, but so would the rest of the world.

A New Simple Test of Green

A New Simple Test for Green

Back in July, I blogged about a simple test that environmentally conscious consumers could use to separate the truly green companies from those that merely use green as a marketing ploy or green washing. I’m proud to say that Clean Currents has recently taken a step to draw an even brighter line between our actions and sustainability commitment as a company vs. those in our industry who merely talk a good green game.

Clean Currents achieved certification as a “B Corp.”

This is a huge step. B Corp certification, run by the non profit group, B Lab, is one of the most stringent sustainability certification models in the nation. We are the first company in Montgomery County, and the fourth in the entire state of Maryland to achieve this advanced certification.
Being a certified B Corp means we are subject to a third party audit to verify the sustainability of our business practice. The B Corp web site best describes what this certification means:
Certified B Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corps are unlike traditional businesses because they:
• Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards;
• Meet higher legal accountability standards;
• Build business constituency for good business

There are currently no other energy companies in Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania or Delaware that are certified as a B Corporation. Clean Currents is the only one. We are proud of that and will continue to work to live up to the expectations that come with this designation. Check out more about B Corp HERE.

Competitive Markets and Wind Power are a Great Match

The American Wind Energy Association recently put out a statement supporting competitive wholesale electricity markets. It’s great to see the nation’s premier wind industry association take a positive stand on the kind of market structure we have here in the Mid Atlantic (with the exception of Virginia). Clean Currents supports the rapid deployment of wind energy in our region and the continuation (and growth) of competitive energy markets. Consumers and the environment both benefit from our open markets.

According to a joint AWEA/Compete statement, nearly 80% of U.S. installed wind capacity is located in regions with competitive energy markets, yet these areas only have 44% of U.S. wind energy potential. A competitive energy market is a market where consumers have the ability to choose their electricity supplier. The utilities don’t control the entire chain of production of electricity, from generation through distribution. The opposite, a monopoly market, is where the incumbent utility controls everything and consumers (and generators) have no choice but to go with them. In Maryland, DC, Delaware, and Pennsylvania we are fortunate to have an open, competitive market.

It’s not surprising that a competitive market is better for wind energy development. The incumbent utilities, if they are in a monopoly with no competition, are not the best vehicles to help development alternative energy. They don’t know how to sell or market it, and they are in no rush to invest in it. In short, they are not innovators.

Companies like Clean Currents are constantly thinking of new ways to expand the clean energy market. Given the right market structure, with proper government incentives, we can develop even more wind power in this region. We are excited to be working with Governor O’Malley and other leaders to craft proposals that will bring offshore wind closer to reality. That’s part of our business model – building demand for green power and working on positive environmental legislation. We are going to push a model that will promote more wind power while building on the success of the competitive energy market. The two go hand in hand.

Building Demand for Green from the Ground Up

Clean Currents just wrapped up our first Green Neighborhood Challenge (GNEC) and we’re launching right into GNEC 2 without missing a beat! Our experience and the response we got in GNEC 1 has taught us that we have tapped into something powerful in the public consciousness. People are looking for connections, commitment and financial help for their communities. Clean Currents is looking to build demand for green energy solutions from the ground up. Enter GNEC, which steps into the void left by antiseptic corporate marketing, social disconnect, lack of resources, and lack of meaningful national government action on the biggest environmental challenge of our generation – global climate change. Marketing from the ground up, meeting people where they are rather than where you (the company) are, is the essence of GNEC.

Connections

The premise of GNEC is that Clean Currents provides an organizing tool (wind power for homes and solar), which allows people of various communities to connect with each other, build stronger community bonds, and strengthen community spirit. By “community,” we mean any grouping of people who share a commonality. This could be a neighborhood, a town, a faith institution, a non profit group, a school, a union, a bridge club. In simple terms, we give community leaders something to talk about. In an ideal GNEC situation, there would be multiple social events (especially parties!), outward signs of participations in the community (lawn signs, etc.) and participation by a strong, core group of volunteers. This includes online social media.

Commitment

For GNEC 2 to succeed, we need to build beyond the focus of GNEC 1. We need to continue to push the message about people switching to wind or solar power for their homes. But we also need to translate into actions our words about Clean Currents being “a front door to a sustainable lifestyle.” This means that wind power for homes or solar installation is merely the hook to get people talking about a larger conversation. That larger conversation is centered on the need to reduce our environmental impact, improve the laws in our states and this nation, and changing some of our habits as consumers. Clean Currents is committed to helping pass positive environmental legislation that puts a price on carbon emissions and mandates reductions in greenhouse gases. If you sign up your community for GNEC 2, we are committed to bringing our partners and allies to your community, to help educate people about reducing their environmental impact. This includes recycling, composting, energy efficiency, car sharing, and a host of other ways to lead a more sustainable life. Finally, Clean Currents wants to help consumers learn about the many companies out there that offer green products, and more importantly, that operate as sustainable companies. It’s vital that consumers vote with their wallets by supporting businesses that are doing the right thing.

Financial Help

The financial component of GNEC should not be under valued. Clean Currents is providing real dollars to communities to help them pursue green projects or to support green advocacy/education groups. In GNEC 1, we will be donating more than $15,000 in total. For GNEC 2, we want to double that. Individual consumers should also see financial incentives for participation. Thus, Clean Currents offers reduced prices on solar installations for customers that are already wind powered. It’s kind of like a co-op, where communities band together to achieve better pricing for individual members of the community.

Conclusion

We at Clean Currents are only just scratching the surface on community level marketing right now, but already I can tell there is something powerful there. We are not perfect, and are learning from our mistakes along the way. However, by working with community leaders and getting real feedback from people we can build a powerful community of people, businesses, and other groups working to create demand for clean energy from the ground up.

Where’s the Energy in the Elections?

The recent primary elections in Maryland set a record for low voter turnout in some parts of the state. There’s a total lack of energy among voters. I hope that between now and November 2nd, things change for the better. Voter turnout will be the deciding factor in many races across the region. If the pro environment voters stays home, we may have a major post-election hangover on November 3rd. Good clean energy laws that make a real difference are not necessarily permanent. They are always at risk of being reversed.
So, how do we get the energy back in the election? First, we have to do our civic duty and become educated, informed voters. That means checking out what groups like the Maryland League of Conservation Voters have to say about candidates. They are non partisan and focus solely on environmental issues. If you see or talk to a candidate, ask him/her about clean energy and the environment. Donate money, if you can, to pro clean energy candidates. Once you’ve energized and educated yourself, get the word out to your friends and neighbors. Use Facebook. Use the phone. Volunteer to go door to door for your local candidate.
It’s so easy to fall into the cynical view that “all the bums are the same.” Yes, our system needs major reform to have our elected representatives better reflect the views of their constituents and not of the groups that fund their campaigns. But elections do matter when it comes to clean energy policy. We’ve made huge strides in Maryland and DC on clean energy and environmental legislation. Pennsylvania’s outgoing Governor has a record that matches the best of any other leader. But these gains can be easily reversed. To get to a cleaner, greener future, we need human energy from voters this November. Staying home is not an option.

Go (Green) Back to School

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of the students in Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation who are beginning a new school year. Sure, they have the usual academic and social challenges that have beguiled students over the years. But they have an added challenge – figuring out a way to get this nation to seriously fight global climate change. Their elders have failed them. The Congress has let yet another year go by without passing any kind of cap on carbon and the other greenhouse gases that cause climate change. The general public doesn’t seem to have any burning desire to actually solve the problem. It will likely take a new generation making a push to actually get anything done at the national level. That’s where the students come in.

Recycled paper and eco friendly school supplies only get you so far. The next step for students is to join their school’s green club. If the school doesn’t have one yet, form one. Every high school in the Mid Atlantic should have a green club. The green club should push students, teachers, and the school administration to adopt practices that reduce their carbon footprints, whether it’s switching to wind power, installing solar, getting more energy efficient, or other measures. That’s step one. Step two is to bring climate education into the curriculum. Green clubs can work with the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) or other groups to do this. Step three is to have the green club act as a driving force to push for local or national legislation to cap and cut greenhouse gases. Students may be too young to vote, but they bring something that candidates for office need almost as much – energy, time, and a megaphone. Organized campaigns by green clubs can have an impact on how local politicians vote. I’m sure of it. Finally, step three is to unite forces. High school green clubs should work together to promote a common message and share resources. It’s far more effective that way.

Clean Currents will be doing our part to help these efforts. Our Green Neighborhood Challenge Two will have a special school division, so we can focus our efforts on supporting the work of green clubs. We are also going to partner with ACE to bring more serious climate education into the schools. We also want to act as a facilatator for green clubs working together, making sure best practices and messages are shared.

Young people have made a lot of changes in our history, it's time for them to step up again.

If you are, or you know a student going to High School this year, let us know how we can help. Simply email gogreen@cleancurrents.com.

A Simple Test for Green

Consumers who care about the environment are a prime target of green washing, fake "green" companies. This is no surprise. Environmentally conscious consumers are generally well educated and well off. They are a great target market and thus tempting to companies that might otherwise have no green interest (environmental "green," that is).

You have to do a little additional homework to separate the truly green companies from the green washers. I propose this simple three part test to figure out who talks "green" and who actually walks "green:"

1. Does the company only offer green products or is a green product part of a group of products, including polluting products?

Are they promoting "wind power" on the one hand, while selling massive amounts of coal or nuclear power on the other hand?

2. Are the company's operations certified as being sustainable by a legitimate third party entity, which performs an actual on-site audit?

For example, when Clean Currents got certified by Montgomery County Maryland's Department of Environmental Protection, we had auditors visit our office to ensure we are doing everything we claimed we were. Any kind of "green registry" that does not require a third party audit is worthless.

3. Does the company work with advocacy groups to support environmental legislation beyond legislation that would directly improve the company's business?

A solar company that advocates for increased solar incentives does not count. That's pure self interest. But companies like Clean Currents that push for broad legislation that reduces carbon emissions, or that cleans up the Bay make a real difference beyond their immediate self interest.

So, if a company claims they are sustainable on their web site, ask them for proof. If they say they donate money to non profits, or support planting trees or something like that, tell them that's not enough. Even Exxon Mobil donates to charities like that. The true test is what are they doing to change the laws of this nation (or of their home states or cities)? Voluntary green actions are great, and they are important in terms of making a difference. Environmental consumers have the power to change the way business is done, to ensure that every company becomes a true green minded entity instead of a green washer trying to make a quick buck on the latest fad. By purchasing products only from green companies that pass the simple green test, you are ensuring that there will be a growing industry of truly green businesses that protect the planet while protecting their bottom line.

Pennsylvania’s Future Could Be Sunny - Act Now

The Pennsylvania legislature is considering a bill (HB 2405) that would dramatically increase the amount of solar in the state, plus provide new demand for clean, renewable wind power. If passed, this legislation will once again cement the Keystone state as a national clean energy leader. Clean Currents is proud to be supporting this vital bill.

The bill would increase the percentage of energy that must be produced by solar energy in the state six-fold, creating enough solar energy to power more than 400,000 homes. It would practically double the amount of energy coming from wind power or clean biomass. It would also provide additional consumer protections and extend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) out until 2024.

Importantly, this is a bi-partisan effort. Clean energy should not be held hostage to politics, and it’s good to see that in Pennsylvania there is support from both sides of the aisle.
The fate of the bill is uncertain, however. So, if you live in Pennsylvania, please take action immediately!

Click here to go to Penn Future’s web page and contact your legislator. Ask them to support HB 2405, for a cleaner, greener future in Pennsylvania.

Clean Currents is proud to be offering wind power for homes and businesses now in Pennsylvania. We would be even more interested in opening an office for solar energy installation if this bill passes.

Victory on Carbon in Montgomery County

Victory in Montgomery County

Just as I was starting to sour on the elected leadership of Montgomery County, Maryland, they once again show that when it comes to progressive environmental laws, there's no place like it in the nation. Under the leadership of Roger Berliner, the County Council adopted the first (I believe) carbon tax in the U.S. The tax effects the one large carbon polluter in the county, the Dickerson coal fired power plant owned by Mirant. It is a modest tax, only expected to raise $7.5 to $15 million a year from Mirant. However, in this age of deficits and government spending cuts, this is a welcome piece of new revenue for the county to use to support clean energy and energy efficiency programs.

Though this is progressive Montgomery County, the vote on this bill was not easy. I was proud to come out in support of the bill and to lobby for it, but unfortunately, on the day of the hearings, Americans for Prosperity, a group funded by one of the biggest oil barons in the nation, as well as Exxon and others, showed up. And let me put this simply - they were not in a mood to discuss the pros and cons of the bill. They came to disrupt, to shout, and to scare our elected leaders into submission. I had come to politely give my support for the Carbon Tax bill and was shocked to find myself in the midst of a tea party mob of 100 people or so. The good guys only numbered a handful, among them Keith and the CCAN crew, Amanda from Clean Currents, and Fred Teal, super star Green Neighborhood leader for Clean Currents.

I almost lost my temper when they started cat-calling and disrupting the testimony of my good friend and climate hero, Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. Luckily, Mike kept his cool as he explained how Mirant has repeatedly violated environmental rules, fights new environmental legislation, and is contributing significantly to climate change. I was never more proud.

Then, Council Members George Leventhal and Roger Berliner spoke, and they demonstrated the exact right way to handle these flat-earther tea party types. They didn't back down, apologize, or go quietly behind closed doors to express their views. Instead, they took the Mirant company official who testified out to the proverbial woodshed. They got Mirant to admit that climate change is real, is caused by man, and must be addressed (unlike the Mirant supporters and various morons in the audience who were shouting that climate change is a hoax). They got Mirant to admit that the energy that the coal plant produces doesn't even serve Montgomery County (we just get the pollution). Finally, Roger Berliner asked how Mirant could afford to pump $500 million into upgrades at the plant (forced to do so against their will, by the passage of the Healthy Air Act), but would shut down over a $7.5 to $15 million tax. The Mirant guy said that if the tax were added to the costs of the plant's operations, the plant would not be profitable (are you listening Wall Street?). Either he is stretching the truth or this is the most unprofitable coal plant in the history of the world. Most coal plants like this are gold mines for their owners.

If this Carbon Tax stands, it will serve as a model for other towns, cities, counties and places to fight climate change, promote clean energy, and bring in new revenue. Of course, a Federal effort would be better, but if we can't get a bill done with 59 or 60 Democrats in control of the Senate, we'll never get one. We need to do this from the ground up.

My hope is that the County will now fund its award winning Clean Energy Rewards program again, plus other worthy clean energy/energy efficiency programs. Way to go MoCo!

It's About the Spill, Stupid

Today's blog is about as simple as it gets.

No more oil drilling off our coasts - the consequences of an accident, even just one, are too monumental.

Off to the Races - Who are the Green Candidates?

With the end of the Maryland General Assembly Session, and the primaries just around the corner, politicians are scrambling in earnest to get their campaigns for office in high gear. We have many exciting races, from Cheryl Kagan and Roger Manno running for Senate in Montgomery County, to exciting races for state Delegate. The District of Columbia also will have a heated primary at the Mayoral and Council levels. We can expect the candidates to tout their environmental, or "green" credentials, whether they are first time candidates or running for re-election. It is the responsibility of each of us to fully understand the truth behind the green claims made by the candidates.

Many green-minded voters look at two things when deciding on a candidate - endorsements by green organizations (CCAN, Sierra Club, LCV), and, if they are an incumbent, their League of Conservation Voters (LCV) scorecard. Unfortunately, if you don't know the context of these items, they can possibly mislead you about the environmental credentials of a candidate.

Endorsements - I have had the honor of participating in the process of environmental endorsements in Maryland. I know it's a serious, tough process. There is a lot of weight given to incumbency. Basically, if an incumbent has a good record (ie. good LCV scorecard), he/she will likely get the endorsement, even if the challenger is an incredible grassroots environmental activist. It makes sense. You want to be able to reward people for voting the right way on environmental issues. However, as a voter, you don't have to do that. You can vote for the candidate that you think will be best on the environment, regardless of whether one is the incumbent or not.

Additionally, the issues that determine if someone is "good" on the environment or not are kind of subjective. In other words, unless someone is good on every single issue, and by the way - those issues did not have opposing viewpoints within the environmental community, the people who decide endorsements must weigh which issues count more than others. There are a host of environmental issues, from climate change, to clean energy, air pollution, stormwater management, water quality, toxins, land use, etc.

LCV Scorecard - The scorecard, like the endorsements is also somewhat subjective. Because I've walked the halls of Annapolis, I know that someone can have a 90% or even a 100% voting record and not be worth voting for. How is that? Because not all votes are the same. There are "easy" votes and "hard" votes. For example, the Democrats are a large majority in both the Maryland House and Senate. If you are a Democratic official, and your leadership in the House or Senate supports a bill, and it gets out of committee, it is not that hard of a vote to take in support of the bill. If you're from Montgomery County, it's even easier. In Maryland, the harder votes tend to come in committee, where bills live or die. Typically, if a bill gets out of committee, it passes the full chamber.

LCV does not score every environmental bill that comes up for a vote, either. It only scores the one that a handful of environmental groups have agreed are worthy of scoring. Again, if there is some disagreement about a bill, it usually will not get scored.

The point I'm making is that I support the environmental endorsement process, and I think the LCV scorecard is very useful. But to be an educated environmental voter, you need to look further in depth into the process. You need to figure out what were the truly hard votes and which were easy. You need to determine which candidate demonstrates leadership and not just voting the right way. It's a lot of work, but then again, the environment is worth it.

Clean Currents will be keeping track of the races in our neck of the woods - mainly Montgomery County. We will be happy to let you know which candidates truly support green energy and green jobs, and which ones don't. Stay tuned.

Don't Let County Executive Leggett Kill Clean Energy Program in MoCo

County Executive Leggett Kills Funding for Clean Energy Rewards

Action by Council Can Still Save the Program

Montgomery County has been building an impressive green infrastructure, block by green block, these past several years, but County Executive Ike Leggett's decision to kill one of the County's most successful green programs is a significant step backwards. In his recently announced budget plan, Mr. Leggett has proposed to entirely kill the Clean Energy Rewards Program. This makes no sense, and we need to get the County Council to act to reverse Mr. Leggett's mistake.

The concept of the Clean Energy Rewards program is simple. Montgomery County electricity users get, in effect, a tax credit against the County energy tax if they buy clean energy. When the Program was created, after a bill championed by Council Member George Leventhal passed the County Council, the idea was to use some funds from the County energy tax to fund the program. Clean Currents has been a certified vendor in the program since its inception. It has worked remarkably well. People, businesses, faith institutions and others have bought clean energy for the very first time. Tons of carbon, the main greenhouse gas causing climate change, have been offset. In fact, the program is one of the most cost effective ways the county has been able to reduce or offset carbon emissions. Montgomery County is the only county in the nation with a program like this. It has won national acclaim, deservedly so, for running this program.

Last year, the program cost the County $550,000. Mr. Leggett is now proposing to raise the energy tax by an additional $50 million. Some of that tax revenue should go to fund the Clean Energy Rewards Program. It is hard to understand why the County Executive did not merely raise the energy tax another half million dollars so that he could fund this incredibly effective green program. He says he had to make "hard decisions," to balance the budget. But I would suggest that being environmentally responsible is for the good times and the bad. For the good budgets and the lean ones. Opposition to progressive environmental standards often comes in the guise of "it will hurt the economy." But here in Montgomery County, our leaders must not fall for that line of thinking. They must stand up for environmental protection in all times. The issue of tackling climate change cannot wait until some future time. We must act now to start addressing it. That's what Cong. Chris Van Hollen says, it is what other progressive leaders say, and it must be what Montgomery County says.

Let's reverse this bad decision. Please send an email immediately to Council President Nancy Floreen asking her to restore funding for Clean Energy Rewards.

Her email is councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov

If you want to email other Council Members, please go to

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/index.asp

Back to the States

In the waning days of the Bush-Cheney administration, environmental groups and concerned businesses started a dramatic shift in strategy in the effort to combat radical climate change. They shifted from a state level strategy back to a Capitol Hill strategy. With the election of Barak Obama and a super majority Democratic Congress, this choice made even more sense. For a brief moment, it seemed like the United States would adopt national legislation to promote clean energy and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Unfortunately, that moment may have passed. Seems like it's time to go back to the states.

The benefits of doing something at the Federal level vs. the state level are clear. We can cause a much more significant change in our fossil fuel use at the national level. The problem is that we seem to live in an era (and hopefully it's temporary) when our political system is simply broken, and unable to solve the large national questions of the day. Maybe the problem is the Senate, where tiny Wyoming, with about 1.5% of the population of California has the same number of Senators. Maybe the problem is the money in politics, the fundraising and the favors. Who knows? Bottom line - I don't expect any significant bill to come from Capitol Hill.

So, we're back to working the states. The record there is pretty impressive. Thanks to a lot of hard work in Maryland, we've got some pretty progressive environmental/clean energy laws here. Maryland is part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), committing to a ten percent reduction in greenhouse gases from power plants along with nine other states in the northeast. RGGI is on the right track and with some improvement can make some real significant cuts in greenhouse gases. California and other western states are adopting a similar plan.

The way to make these kind of efforts even more impactful is to deal with the issue of "leakage," or out-of-state emissions related to energy use in state. This can be done. California, for example, can require a large portion of power delivered to it to come from clean sources, or have a cap on greenhouse gases associated with it. That way, emissions from power plants in Nevada, Idaho, or other western states would be reduced. If we did this in the Mid Atlantic, we could reduce emissions from plants in states such as Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. In other words, an action in a few states could have an impact in many. We don't need to pass progressive environmental and clean energy laws in every state, just in the states where most of the people live and most of the jobs are. Luckily, those states are generally the most open to progressive legislation to combat climate change or to promote clean energy.

I hope I'm wrong about Capitol Hill. But if I'm not, let's get back to work in the states.

The Power of (Green) Community

While the snow fell last Saturday and most people were in their warm homes, or out shoveling, something really special and unique was happening in Rockville. Clean Currents, led by our incredible staff (way to go Amanda and Kristi!) was hosting our very first Green Neighborhood Challenge Leadership training. More than 35 people braved the elements to attend. As far as I know, this is the first time a for- profit company hosted and led an environmental activist training event. The fact that this event took place, that people were extremely excited and interested, speaks volumes about the kind of company Clean Currents is. It is hard to imagine any other company, green or otherwise, hosting a meeting like this in our area.

Cultivating relationships with activists is part of our mission, and reflects on the unique position of Clean Currents. As a company, we understand that confronting climate change is going to take an "all of the above" approach. Voluntary actions are important, but only as far as they change people's conscience, only as far as they change the values of our society. That's where activism comes in. Once we change people's conscience we need to change our nation's laws. This will happen by people from all over the political spectrum getting active and getting things done. It's a two step process. Clean Currents offers a great, green product that is available to the general public, unlike say a Prius or other green items that come with a relatively hefty price tag. Our wind power for homes actually may save people money, yet it also opens a window to a new world for them. They get on our eNewsletter list and learn about all the other ways they can positively effect the world through voluntary actions or legislation.

That's what this past week's leadership training was about- giving citizens the tools they need to educate their neighbors about the fight to end climate change. It's not enough to sign up for wind power at home. We need to do more. Hopefully these leaders will go out and spread that message. And hopefully other companies will follow Clean Currents example and recognize that being a good green corporate citizen means much more than putting a green sticker on your window and buying recycled paper for your printers. It means engaging the public, giving the public the tools they need, and giving the public a platform to work from.

keepin' it green

Promoting Clean Energy in Good Times and Bad - Legislative Preview

This will be the year we see which of our elected leaders steps up to the challenge of promoting clean energy even in tough economic times. The Maryland and Virginia General Assembly sessions are just getting started with all the talk about budget deficits, while local counties are also grappling with massive budget holes. This means that some leaders will be tempted to gut, kill or raid funding from programs designed to promote clean energy. It's already starting to happen.

Montgomery County has a unique and extremely successful program designed to promote clean energy and effectively reduce carbon emissions. It's called "Clean Energy Rewards." Clean Currents was a proud certified vendor in the program. I say "was" because County Executive Ike Leggett is considering a budget that would completely cut funding for the program for the next fiscal year (starting July 1, 2010). Yup, not a funding reduction but a complete zeroing out of the budget. This, despite the fact that the County has won national kudos for the program and has rightfully pointed out how effective it is at reducing carbon emissions. Why cut such a successful program? Tight budget, of course. The message this action would send is clear - Montgomery County only fights climate change and promotes clean energy when times are good.

In Annapolis, the picture may be brighter. There, the Governor is crafting an energy package that will continue and build upon the state's support for solar energy. It will also promote off-shore wind, and electric cars. Let's hope our state legislators have the foresight to pass the Governor's energy package, even in these tight budget times. The solar energy industry association is asking for some additional items that may not be included in the Governor's energy package, yet they are vital to the industry's growth. These include up-front payments for Solar Credits (SRECs), which would dramatically reduce the initial payment needed to install a system. Small wind installers are looking for a better framework for their industry. Maybe a legislative champion will step up to fight for this small, but growing clean energy sector. It would really help farmers on the Eastern Shore. Environmental advocates are pushing for a clean energy first bill, which would instruct the Public Service Commission to favor renewable energy for new generation in the state. Sounds like a good idea, but I'll need to see the details. Finally, Delegate Herman Taylor is crafting a bill that would help make electricity choice more widespread in Maryland. Definitely a good idea.

I'll keep tabs on Annapolis and will let you know when something worthwhile needs your attention. In the meantime, we need to start contacting Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, to let him know that Clean Energy Rewards should be fully funded. He can bring the program back to life by putting the funding back in the County budget before he presents it March 15. The climate cannot wait. This is the time to act. Contact the County Executive at ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov. Be sure to CC me at gary@cleancurrents.com when you send an email. Stay tuned for more in the next blog.

To Really Save the Planet, Stop Just Going Green

"To really save the planet, stop going green." Those powerful words headline a recent piece by Mike Tidwell, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and our nation's leading visionary for a cleaner, greener future. Strong, but true words, spoken at the exact right point. I believe that we've now reached a tipping point in the world of all things "green." Every business with even a hint of a consumer face now has some "green" statement, message, program or item. Businesses across the nation, including Clean Currents, are committed to some sort of voluntary environmental pledge. The greening of America's businesses is done. No, not literally done. There's still a lot to do. But the process has been started and will only continue to grow. Everybody is already, or about to, "go green." That's great, but now it's time to move to the next phase and that's where Mike Tidwell's strong words come in.

The recent news about companies leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is perhaps the first battle in the next phase of our march to a secure climate, free of global warming. Apple led the charge of companies leaving the Chamber, which also included electric utilities such as Exelon. Nike resigned from the Board of the Chamber. All of this was done because of the Chamber's stance on climate change legislation. Apple and these others are showing that just 'going green' is no longer enough. That was Climate 1.0. In Climate 2.0, all of us, consumers, businesses, etc. will be judged on our greeness not just by our voluntary actions, but by our commitment to positive legislation that will dramatically cut the greenhouse gases causing climate change.

I'm proud to work together with my colleagues in the non-profit environmental advocacy world to push for this kind of legislation at both the state and national level. At Clean Currents, we incentivize our employees to get involved by providing a subsidy for membership in environmental organizations and by encouraging them to make their voices heard in the climate debate. We need to change the laws of this nation to better protect our environment. Yet, we should also continue our voluntary efforts. They make a small difference, perhaps, but they also introduce people to important environmental values. They educate the broad swath of the population that helping the environment can sometimes help protect your bottom line as well. I understand that it is a combination of voluntary actions and positive environmental legislation that will save the planet. Thus, I would tweak Mike's words to perhaps say, "to really save the planet, stop just going green."

In 2010, Clean Currents will commit to improving our environmental performance. We will work for positive environmental legislation in the nation's capital, and in our home state of Maryland. We will help our employees and customers understand the nature, and urgency, of the energy choices before us. We aim to be a leader in Climate 2.0 - to advocate for green laws as well as continue to make green choices. Our planet's future is at stake, so we can do no less.