FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADVOCATES LAMENT LOSS ON TWO ENERGY BILLS, VOW TO FIGHT ON
The House Insurance and Commerce Committee today failed to pass two energy bills supported by the Governor and advocates for more efficient and environmentally friendly energy in Arkansas. Both bills were opposed by utilities.
ADVOCATES LAMENT LOSS ON TWO ENERGY BILLS, VOW TO FIGHT ON
LITTLE ROCK – The House Insurance and Commerce Committee today failed to pass two energy bills supported by the Governor and advocates for more efficient and environmentally friendly energy in Arkansas. Both bills were opposed by utilities.
“Energy efficiency is the least expensive and cleanest way to meet our energy needs; it saves consumers hundreds of millions of dollars and it creates jobs,” said Eddy Moore of the Arkansas Citizens First Congress. “Renewable energy is simply the way of the future.”
“These bills are win-win for everyone – but the utilities want guaranteed profits from increasing your bills, not lower energy demand from conservation or competition from renewable energy. We are trying to protect consumers and create jobs, but the utilities are shamefully costing Arkansans millions of dollars with their opposition,” said Moore.
“We will continue working for cheaper and cleaner energy at the Public Service Commission and through the legislative interim studies to come,” said Moore. “We thank Governor Beebe, Attorney General McDaniel, and Public Service Commission Chair Paul Suskie for their strong support.”
The committee rejected House Bill 1851 by Rep. Kathy Webb of Little Rock that would have helped consumers and businesses upgrade to renewable energy. It would have helped Arkansas become a leader in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy, a benefit that is sorely needed in today’s economy. Advocates vow to come back next session.
House Bill 1903 by state Rep. Joan Cash of Jonesboro was referred to an interim study. It would have given rebates and incentives to Arkansas homeowners and businesses to make our homes and workplaces more energy efficient. The program would have led to an estimated consumer savings of up to $700 million over the next 10 years and created new local jobs across the state. 18 other states have similar programs. The interim study will take place before the next legislative session.
“Change is coming,” said Moore. “We hoped to work with the utilities to change energy policy in a way good for everyone in Arkansas. We’ll go back to the drawing table.”
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Video of the hearings MORNING hearings at:
http://citizensfirst.org/media-room-1/videos-cfc_tv/hb1903-energy-efficiency-is-considered-by-insurance-commerce-4-01-09/view
Afternoon hearing video coming soon...
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The Citizens First Congress is a grassroots coalition of over 40 groups from across Arkansas
Find our 10 Priorities for a Better Arkansas at www.CitizensFirst.org
1308 West Second Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-372-7295
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