Special 2010 Election Edition
In the States
This edition of In the States features a change from the
usual format. Rather than a selection of
updates on State energy policy, this version includes a brief summary of each
of the winning gubernatorial candidate’s positions on energy policy, especially
as they relate to renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel
energy, as well as climate change and cap-and-trade policies.
Alabama:
Governor-elect Robert Bentley (R)
State Representative and Governor-elect
Robert Bentley made energy an important campaign issue in his successful
election bid, focusing on the relationship between energy costs and business
interests in the State. In his campaign
policy document, the Governor-elect stated his belief that lower energy costs
for businesses would spur economic growth and reduce unemployment, and that the
economic success of southern States is directly related to “reliable and
affordable power sources.” The
Governor-elect also opposed a cap-and-trade approach to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, writing that proposed federal legislation would “serve as a death
sentence for economic expansion in Alabama,” though he has also said that
“carbon emissions, I do think, probably play a role in climate changes” and
suggested that carbon emissions should be reduced. Governor-elect Bentley’s proposed approach is
to further develop and diversify the State’s energy resources, including fossil
fuels such as natural gas, methane, and coal, but also nuclear energy and
alternative energy such as hydro and biomass.
Putting
Alabamians back to work [pdf] – Robert
Bentley for Governor and The
race for Alabama Governor: Sparks, Bentley views similar on environment – Birmingham News
Alaska: Governor
Sean Parnell (R)
Governor Parnell has been involved
with energy issues in the private and public sectors for more than 15 years,
and since energy development is a major part of Alaska’s economy, it’s no surprise that
energy is an important State issue.
Governor Parnell supports the oil and gas industry and has proposed
increasing development, lowering taxes, and increasing tax credits for the
production of oil and gas resources. He
also supports sending more oil and gas out of the State and increasing hydro,
geothermal, and other renewable power, having signed one of the most ambitious
renewable energy standards in the country – requiring 50% renewable energy by
2025, and a 15% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020. Governor Parnell’s administration, however,
is one of several suing the U.S .Environmental Protection Agency to block it
from imposing new regulations on greenhouse gases. Governor
Candidate Q/A: Gov. Sean Parnell (R) – News
Tribune and Energy Page
– Parnell-Treadwell 2010 and State
challenges EPA – Parnell Press
Release and Governors
candidates spar, joust at Anchorage forum – Alaska Journal of Commerce and Alaska
emerges as unlikely renewable energy pioneer – BusinessGreen
Arizona: Governor
Jan Brewer (R)
Incumbent Governor Jan Brewer has
pushed for creating new jobs and economic growth through increasing renewable
energy use. She has signed several
executive orders intended to help develop strategies to attract solar
manufacturers and promote solar energy within the State and also signed a law
to provide tax credits and other incentives to solar companies in Arizona. While Governor Brewer actively opposed repeal
of a 2006 law that mandates a renewable energy standard of 15% by 2025, she
also signed an executive order pulling the State out of the cap-and-trade
portion of the Western Climate Initiative, expected to go into effect in
2012. Arizona
quits Western climate endeavor – Arizona
Republic and Gov. Brewer
signs Arizona solar jobs bill – Phoenix
Sun and Executive
Order 2010-06, Governor’s Policy on Climate Change – Office of Governor Jan Brewer and Remarks
by Gov. Jan Brewer [pdf] – Office of
Governor Jan Brewer
Arkansas: Governor
Mike Beebe (D)
Governor Mike Beebe has said that
he wants as many energy companies to move to Arkansas as possible, which he
believes will foster economic growth and help address the State’s fiscal concerns. The Governor is especially interested in
bringing nuclear and wind companies to Arkansas
to manufacture and ship products from the State. Another one of his goals is to increase
production of gasoline from wood chips, a product abundant in Arkansas.
Governor Beebe also would like to work with neighboring States on
developing compressed natural gas infrastructure for vehicles. Governor Beebe has stated that although he believes
global warming is a threat, individual States lack the ability to sufficiently
alter greenhouse gas emissions, and any carbon reduction program should be
nationally managed. Beebe wants part of
potential nuclear energy resurgence – City
Wire and Beebe high on
wood chips – City Wire and Beebe
on global warming: “We didn’t listen!” – The Arkansas
Project
California:
Governor-elect Jerry Brown (D)
Former Governor and Attorney
General and current Governor-elect Jerry Brown has a record of opposing
offshore oil drilling and supporting restrictions on vehicle emissions. As Attorney General, the Governor-elect defended
California’s
auto emissions requirements, which were later expanded nationwide, and was a
part of the successful lawsuit against the U.S. EPA that resulted in a Supreme
Court ruling that greenhouse gases are subject to regulation under the Clean
Air Act. The Governor-elect has proposed
a renewable energy jobs plan that includes building 20,000 megawatts of solar
and other renewable energy projects on public and private land, as well as and
transmission lines to distribute this newly generated electric power. Governor-elect Brown also supports “feed-in
tariffs” for small private renewable energy projects, expediting clean energy
permits, energy efficiency retrofits for existing buildings, and tightened efficiency
standards for new construction. Environment
Page and Clean Energy Jobs
Page – Jerry Brown for Governor
Colorado:
Governor-elect John Hickenlooper (D)
Denver Mayor and Governor-elect Dan
Hickenlooper believes “there is no single solution to energy supply or demand,”
and that he is “agnostic about the fuel source” that powers vehicles and heats
homes. He proposed an energy plan that
includes using abundant energy sources in Colorado, including solar, wind, natural
gas, coal, as well as energy efficiency measures. The Governor-elect has also said that
although climate change is an important factor in energy policy, other factors
such as the environment, national security, and the economy must be taken into
account as well. Governor-elect
Hickenlooper also supports the State’s new 30% renewable energy standard by
2030, saying it’s “ambitious” but “doable” with the help of solar, wind, and
geothermal energy sources. Energy Page – Hickenlooper for Colorado and Hickenlooper-McInnis
Debate Transcript – Colorado Energy News
and Colorado:
Denver mayor and guv candidate talks bike-sharing, light rail, and coal – Grist
Connecticut:
Governor-elect Dan Malloy (D)
Former Stamford Mayor and Governor-elect
Dan Malloy’s energy policy focuses on creating and keeping jobs in Connecticut while
cutting greenhouse gases through greater use of renewable energy and energy
efficiency initiatives. The
Governor-elect plans to add thousands of green jobs in the State by leveraging
federal tax incentives and the State’s bonding authority to spur private
investment in clean energy that will be developed and used in Connecticut.
Governor-elect Malloy also believes that focusing on keeping rates for new
clean energy low will be essential to attracting and keeping business in Connecticut. He has not specified which sources of energy
his administration will focus on, but has supported the State’s existing 20%
renewable energy standard by 2020. As
Mayor of Stamford, he provided businesses with a year of free single-stream
recycling in exchange for adopting sustainability measures and promoted other
solar and energy efficiency projects. Energy Page – Dan Malloy for Governor and Environment Page – Dan Malloy for Governor and Foley
and Malloy: A clear difference on climate change – Connecticut Mirror and Municipal initiatives to
address climate change – Connecticut Office of Legislative Research
Florida:
Governor-elect Rick Scott (R)
Governor-elect Rick Scott supports
increasing energy independence for economic and national security reasons. He also supports increased offshore oil
drilling, but says he will “ensure that any future offshore drilling does not
negatively impact Florida’s
beaches.” In addition, he favors expanding nuclear energy production and the
use of alternative fuels. The
Governor-elect signed a pledge for Americans for Prosperity that he will
“oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in
government revenue,” and also endorsed FreedomWorks’ “Contract from America,” which
calls for candidates to “reject cap & trade.” Governor-elect Scott has also expressed
skepticism about scientific findings on global warming. Energy
Independence Page – Rick Scott for
Governor and Contract from America – FreedomWorks and Americans
for Prosperity Applauds Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Scott [pdf] – Americans for Prosperity and Rick
Scott doesn’t believe in global warming – St. Petersburg Times
Georgia:
Governor-elect Nathan Deal (R)
As a U.S. Representative,
Governor-elect Nathan Deal voted against federal legislation to cap greenhouse
gas emissions, tax incentives for renewable energy, removing subsidies for oil
and gas exploration, a moratorium for offshore oil drilling, and raising fuel
efficiency standards. He voted against
tax incentives for renewable energy and for a temporary repeal of the 4.3 cent
gas tax. As a member of the House
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, he expressed his support for
using biomass as an alternative fuel source, but not solar or wind energy. Nathan Deal on
Energy and Oil – On the Issues
and Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Caucuses – Environmental
and Energy Study Institute and Sparks
fly at Georgia’s gubernatorial debate – Atlanta Examiner
Hawaii:
Governor-elect Neil Abercrombie (D)
Former U.S. Congressman and Governor-elect
Neil Abercrombie has said that making Hawaii energy independent is the State’s
“most important economic enterprise,” and is “critical to protect our environment from the pollutant risks
and climate change impacts associated with fossil fuels.” As a U.S. Representative, Congressman
Abercrombie voted to cap greenhouse gas emissions, provide tax incentives for
renewable energy, raise vehicle efficiency standards, and end oil and gas
exploration subsidies. The
Governor-elect proposes to create the Hawaii Energy Authority, which would combine
policy oversight and regulatory authority to fast-track renewable energy
projects. He has also proposed rewarding
utilities for meeting or exceeding the State’s clean energy goals, using
federal money to support green jobs and retrofit public buildings, and
expanding wind, solar, geothermal, ocean wave, and biofuel technology use. Energy Page
– Abercrombie for Governor and Environment
and Natural Resources Page – Abercrombie
for Governor and Hawaii
Gov. candidates want clean energy faster – WKRG and Neil
Abercrombie on Energy and Oil – On
the Issues
Idaho: Governor
Butch Otter (R)
When Governor Butch Otter won the
gubernatorial election in 2006, he ran on an energy platform that promoted the
use of nuclear and hydroelectric power and he has consistently pursued the
development of these forms of energy in Idaho. As Chairman of the Western Governors’
Association, Otter also signed a letter urging Congress to increase nuclear
loan guarantees. The Governor has
increasingly promoted other renewable energy sources including wind, solar,
geothermal, and biomass, even filming a campaign commercial promising to make the
State’s efforts on alternative energy research a “top priority” and pushing for
State funding for the Center
for Advanced Energy Studies at the Idaho National Laboratory, which supports
research on nuclear and alternative energy. Governor Otter also helped steer federal
stimulus funds toward an initiative to install solar panels on schools. Election
2010: Gov. Otter targets green voters – Idaho
Statesman and New
nuclear power plant development urged by Governors – PowerGen Worldwide and Otter:
Idaho is “rapidly developing” an energy industry – Idaho Statesman
Illinois: Governor
Pat Quinn (D)
Governor Quinn has made clean
energy a focus of his administration by signing several pieces of legislation
that promote the use of wind and other renewables through tax incentives and
allow local authorities to finance green projects. According to the U.S. EPA, Illinois became the second-highest
clean-energy-purchasing State, obtaining 33% of the State government’s electricity
from renewable sources in 2009. Governor
Quinn supports a renewable energy standard of 25% by 2025 and a diverse energy
portfolio of wind, ethanol, biodiesel, and clean coal. Governor
Quinn signs legislation to encourage investment in renewable energy – Press Release and Green Power Purchasing
Awards – U.S. EPA Green Power
Partnership and Environment
and Green Energy Page – Quinn/Simon
for Illinois
Iowa:
Governor-elect Terry Branstad (R)
While energy policy was not a top issue
in this year’s Iowa
gubernatorial race, Governor-elect Branstad, who previously served four terms
as Governor of Iowa, has differentiated himself from incumbent Governor Chet
Culver by strongly supporting the construction of new coal power plants. The Governor-elect has also supported
reducing dependence on foreign oil sources by expanding wind, ethanol, and
biodiesel energy use. In addition,
Governor-elect Branstad has expressed support for building a
400,000-barrel-per-day tar sands oil refinery on the South Dakota border, which Governor Culver
and several environmental groups oppose.
Branstad,
Reynolds attack Culver in Marshalltown – Times-Republican and Proposed
oil refinery the center of political debate – Iowa Independent
Kansas:
Governor-elect Sam Brownback (R)
U.S. Senator and Governor-elect Sam
Brownback’s record in the U.S. Senate and as a member of the Natural Resources
Committee reflect support for increased domestic energy production and reduced
oil and gas imports. During his tenure,
he sponsored a number of bills – often with bipartisan support – to increase
the use of renewable fuels, reduce dependency on foreign oil by 50%, increase
offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, and
establish a national renewable electricity standard of 15% by 2021. Governor-elect Brownback also worked with
Democrats when they were trying to pass energy and climate legislation in 2010;
he supported a renewable electricity standard as part of the bill at the same
time he opposed a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Sam Brownback – Council on Foreign Relations and Energy
Page – Senator Brownback’s Webpage
and Brownback
joins bipartisan group seeking U.S. renewable electricity standard – Kansas City Business Journal and Brownback
not a lock for new climate bill – McPherson
Sentinel
Maine:
Governor-elect Paul LePage (R)
Governor-elect Paul LePage’s
approach to energy focuses on lowering prices for consumers and he has said that
his administration “will welcome any energy that can compete on price.” However,
he has also expressed the view that on- and off-shore wind and tidal power are
not yet viable. Instead, the
Governor-elect prefers increasing the number of natural gas power plants and
expanding hydroelectric power, nuclear power, and offshore oil drilling. He
also has said that while he does not believe global warming is a “myth” he’s
unsure about the severity of the problem and how human activity has contributed
to it. LePage
outlines vision for welfare, education, energy – Portland Press Herald and Energy
Independence and Efficiency Page – LePage
2010 and Maine
and New England stew over climate and energy projects – New York Times and Forum
clarifies candidates’ divide – Kennebec
Journal and Maine
Democrats attack LePage on nuclear power – Bloomberg BusinessWeek and Candidates
speaking at UMaine forum – Morning
Sentinel
Maryland: Governor
Martin O’Malley (D)
Governor Martin O’Malley supports
greater use of renewable energy such as solar and wind as a way to create as
many as 100,000 jobs in the State. As
Governor, he has supported legislation designed to generate more solar energy,
create wind power offshore, and provide tax credits for renewable energy
generation and electric vehicles.
Governor O’Malley has signed an executive order creating the Maryland
Commission on Climate Change, legislation reducing energy consumption and more
than doubling the State’s renewable energy standard (requiring that 20% percent
of Maryland’s power come from renewable
sources by 2022) , and a memorandum of understanding adding Maryland to the
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Maryland
Governor Martin O’Malley Highlights 2010 clean energy agenda – Gov Monitor and Maryland Commission on Climate Change
– Maryland Climate Change Advisory Group
and Maryland Governor signs energy
efficiency and climate change legislation – Pew Center on Global Climate Change and Environment Page
– Friends of Martin O’Malley and Jobs Page – Friends of Martin O’Malley and Second Amendment to Memorandum
of Understanding [pdf] – Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Massachusetts: Governor
Deval Patrick (D)
A major issue in Governor Deval Patrick’s
campaign for re-election was the Governor’s support for the proposed Cape Wind
project, which is likely to be the first offshore wind farm in the United States
and create as many as 1,000 jobs. The
Governor also supports the State’s renewable energy standard, which will
require 25% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, and energy
efficiency programs that will invest $2 billion over three years to save ratepayers
$6.5 billion in future years. The State
is a part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and has experienced an
increase in the use of both wind and solar power under Governor Patrick’s
tenure. Accomplishments [pdf]
– Deval Patrick for Governor and Rivals
clash with Patrick over vision for cleantech – Boston Business Journal and Patrick
leads celebration of New Bedford’s Cape Wind coup – South Coast Today and Program
Design – Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative
Michigan: Governor-elect
Rick Snyder (R)
Energy was not a major issue in
Governor-elect Rick Snyder’s campaign, since he and his opponent, Lansing Mayor
Virg Bernero, generally agreed on the issue.
The Governor-elect has shown support for outgoing Governor Jennifer
Granholm’s agenda of promoting wind, solar and other clean energy as one
solution to the State’s persistent economic woes. Governor-elect Snyder has also indicated
support for building a new coal plant “when it’s clean coal replacing old
coal,” and offered support for “smart growth” of mass transit and less
sprawl. He also supports the State’s
existing renewable energy standard.
Governor-elect Snyder received the endorsement of the Michigan League of
Conservation Voters. Rick
Snyder says he supports Michigan’s renewable energy law – AnnArbor.com and Rogers City,
Holland coal plant denials spark lawsuits – Michigan Land Use Institute and Environment
Page – Office of Governor-elect Rick
Snyder
Minnesota: Mark
Dayton (D) or Tom Emmer (R)
The Minnesota gubernatorial race may not be
decided for months due to a mandatory recount and potential legal battles. However, both candidates have proposed energy
plans, which are summarized below.
Former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton
has said that “clean, renewable energy
is one of the most promising growth industries for our State and our
nation.” His campaign plan included
drawing developers of wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power to the
State, and creating 50,000 jobs by retrofitting older government buildings to
increase energy efficiency. As Senator,
Mr. Dayton co-sponsored bipartisan cap-and-trade legislation, voted to ban
drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, voted to increase vehicle fuel
efficiency standards, and consistently supported the ethanol industry. Clean Energy Page
– Mark Dayton for a Better Minnesota and
Dayton Votes for
Passage of Senate Energy Bill - But Cautions it will not Remedy America's
Dependence on Foreign Oil [archived press release] – Project Vote Smart and Mark
Dayton – On the Issues
As
a State Representative, Tom Emmer sponsored legislation that would have repealed
the State’s existing renewable electricity standard of 25% by 2025, adding that
more should be done to develop fossil fuels, and has said that green jobs are a
“fancy marketing campaign.” Representative
Emmer also introduced legislation that would have repealed the Next Generation
Energy bill that allows Minnesota
to participate in the regional cap-and-trade program of the Midwestern
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Emmer
visits area, says he wants more power shifted to cities and counties – AllBusiness and Rep.
Emmer moves to repeal cap-and-trade law [press release] – State Representative Tom Emmer
Nebraska: Governor
Dave Heineman (R)
Governor Heineman has actively
promoted alternative fuels and renewable energy within Nebraska.
The Governor signed a bill making it easier for utilities operating in
the State to access federal incentives that have greatly expanded wind energy
use in neighboring States consistent with his goal of making Nebraska one of the top ten wind energy
producing States by 2020. During his
re-election campaign, Governor Heineman also highlighted the economic and
security benefits that stem from the State’s production of ethanol and
biodiesel. Although the Governor
endorsed adoption of a national renewable energy standard requiring 25% of all
energy to come from renewable sources by 2025, he also signed a letter asking
the U.S. Congress to pass a law to stop the EPA from unilaterally issuing
regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions as a substitute for
comprehensive, economically-friendly energy legislation. Wind energy bill
signed – Omaha World-Herald and Dave
Heineman on Energy and Oil – On the Issues
and Nebraska
celebrates groundbreaking for wind farm – Edison International and Update
on Wind Development in Nebraska – Office
of Governor Dave Heineman
Nevada:
Governor-elect Brian Sandoval (R)
Governor-elect Brian Sandoval has
stated that he believes renewable energy will play an important role in the
State’s economic recovery, and specifically supports developing the State’s
“unique and valuable” energy resources including solar, geothermal, and
hydroelectric. He does not support a
renewable energy standard or other mandates on renewable energy use on the
grounds that they are harmful to businesses.
Gubernatorial
candidate Brian Sandoval answers questions on issues – Nevada News Bureau
New Hampshire: Governor
John Lynch (D)
As Governor of New Hampshire, John
Lynch has pushed for greater use of renewable energy and greater energy
efficiency. He signed a bill into law
requiring nearly 25% of the State’s electricity to come from renewable sources
by 2025, and another authorizing its participation in the Regional Greenhouse
Gas Initiative, a cap-and-trade program for Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic
States. The Governor has
cited concerns about climate change and energy independence as reasons for
increasing renewable energy use and energy efficiency in New Hampshire. Governor Lynch’s 25 x
’25 renewable energy initiative – New
Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning and Governor Lynch
signs law joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – Office of Governor Lynch and New
Hampshire Governor says renewables are a priority – RenewableEnergyWorld.com
New Mexico:
Governor-elect Susanna Martinez (R)
Governor-elect Susana Martinez’s
energy platform in the 2010 gubernatorial race included loosening regulations
on energy production, including gas wells, and ending New Mexico’s participation in the Western
Climate Initiative’s regional cap-and-trade program. She believes these actions will help protect
and create jobs in the State. The
Governor-elect has said that “the more
diverse our energy portfolio, the stronger we will be as a State and a nation,” and
said she supports “creating incentives
that encourage coal power plants to invest in new technology that will help
coal burn more efficiently and reduce our carbon footprint.” She has also said that she is “not sure the
science completely supports” the idea that human activity plays a role in
climate change. New
Mexico’s economic recovery – Susana
Martinez for Governor and GOP
candidates knock global warming – Politico
and Press
room – Susana Martinez for Governor
New York:
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo (D)
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo
published a series of policy books detailing his governing agenda on several
subjects, including energy and climate change issues. The Governor-elect wrote that he would like
to see the State move more quickly toward achieving the goals of reducing
energy use and increasing renewable energy, but that energy must also be made
more affordable to consumers. He also
supports promoting solar energy, as well as on- and off-shore wind energy
projects, and closing aging nuclear power plants without replacing them. In addition, Governor-elect Cuomo supports
drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, provided it is done in an
environmentally safe way that does not impact the water supply. Power
NY [pdf] – Cuomo 2010 and New
York gubernatorial candidate issues plan to increase solar – Solar Home and Business Journal
Ohio:
Governor-elect John Kasich (R)
Former U.S. Congressman and Governor-elect
John Kasich opposes federal cap-and-trade legislation, saying that limiting
greenhouse gas emissions “will be
immensely harmful to our State, kill Ohio's
low-cost coal power, and cripple our manufacturing jobs.” Instead, he believes the State should
encourage clean coal technology, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, and increased
use of renewables. The Governor-elect
said that he would seek repeal of the State’s existing renewable energy
standard that requires 25% of power to come from renewable sources by 2025 if
he “were to determine that it is unrealistic and would drive up prices,” but
that he does not oppose it now and has no immediate plans to repeal it. As a Congressman, Governor-elect Kasich
called the division between economic and environmental interests “a false and
dangerous dichotomy,” and said that State and local governments should take the
lead on environmental concerns. Strickland,
Kasich offer their answers to questions – Marietta Times and Strickland
accuses Kasich of turning back the clock on energy policy – Dayton Daily News and John Kasich on
Environment – On the Issues
Oklahoma:
Governor-elect Mary Fallin (R)
Governor-elect Mary Fallin is a
former Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Representative with a record of supporting
traditional energy sources and opposing climate change bills and renewable
energy legislation. The Governor-elect
signed a pledge for Americans for Prosperity in which she promised to “oppose
legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in
government revenue.” She has also said
that her “goal as governor would be to stimulate the oil and gas industry in
the State and support the Legislature for incentives for oil and gas
production." However,
Governor-elect Fallin has also said she supports federal incentives for solar,
wind, nuclear, and biofuels “in the long term” as a part of an “all of the
above” approach that would include increased domestic drilling for oil and gas
as a way to reduce dependence on foreign fuels.
Askins,
Fallin speak at OIPA conference – Tulsa
World and Americans
for Prosperity applauds Congresswoman Mary Fallin – Office of Congresswoman Mary Fallin and In
the fight to end the recession, the energy industry is our ally (Rep. Fallin
Op-Ed) – Townhall.com and At
Congressional field hearing, Fallin evaluates national energy policy in
Oklahoma – Office of Congresswoman
Mary Fallin
Oregon:
Governor-elect John Kitzhaber (D)
Governor-elect Kitzhaber’s campaign
included setting a plan for the State to meet its established renewable energy
standard and carbon emissions reduction goals while also promoting energy
independence, saving money for consumers, and producing green jobs. The Governor-elect’s plan suggested increased
energy efficiency efforts to lower demand, developing and exporting renewable
energy technologies, as well as loan guarantees, grants and tax incentives for
renewable energy production.
Governor-elect Kitzhaber supports wind, solar, ocean wave, biomass, and
geothermal energy, as well as developing technologies such as micro-hydro,
small-scale wind, algae-based biofuels, and gas generation through waste. He opposes offshore oil drilling and has said
that he believes climate change is a major issue, which is why he supports a
regional cap-and-trade program, either through the existing Western Climate
Initiative or new State alliance. Energy
and Environment Plan [pdf] – John
Kitzhaber for Governor and Dudley
vs. Kitzhaber: On global warming, energy, and land use – Ecotrope
Pennsylvania:
Governor-elect Tom Corbett (R)
Governor-elect Tom Corbett’s energy policy
focuses on the importance of affordability of energy and independence from
foreign oil. In Pennsylvania, drilling is beginning to occur
in the Marcellus Shale, a large underground reserve of natural gas. Unlike his immediate predecessor, Democratic
Governor Ed Rendell, Governor-elect Corbett does not support a drilling tax on
natural gas wells, believing that such a tax would “reduce the potential for new jobs, tax revenues and
other economic benefits associated with development of the Marcellus
Shale.” In addition to his support for
natural gas, Governor-elect Corbett also supports greater use of
coal-to-liquids and gas-to-liquids technologies, biodiesel, and nuclear power. The Governor-elect also supports the State’s
current renewable energy standard and says that the marketplace will
“effectively incentivize alternative energy investments.” In addition, Governor-elect Corbett supports
tax credits for infrastructure improvement, more smart meters and other grid
improvements, and energy regulatory reform.
Economic
Plan [pdf] – Tom Corbett for Governor
and Energy
Plan [pdf] – Tom Corbett for Governor
and Pennsylvania
Republican offers big tax break to oil and gas industry – The Guardian
Rhode Island: Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee (I)
Former U.S. Senator and
Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee has a Senate voting record that includes
opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and strengthened
fuel standards for consumer vehicles. He
also co-sponsored cap-and-trade legislation and supported federal funding to
encourage the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. The Governor-elect has said that there is no
one single policy option that will solve energy and climate issues, but promotes
using more renewable energy and reducing oil usage as solutions. Energy and
Environment Page – Chafee for
Governor and Lincoln
Chafee on Energy & Oil – On the
Issues
South Carolina:
Governor-elect Nikki Haley (R)
The campaign for South Carolina’s next governor did not
include much discussion about the future of energy use in the State. However, Governor-elect Nikki Haley’s campaign
has said that she supports drilling for oil off the State’s coast, and has
criticized the Obama administration for stopping work on Yucca
Mountain, which has caused uncertainty
about where South Carolina’s
nuclear waste will be permanently stored.
Nuclear energy accounts for more than half of South Carolina’s energy consumption, with
most of the remainder produced by coal plants.
South
Carolina GOP hopeful Haley supports offshore drilling – CNN.com and Haley
wants nuclear waste out of SC – The
State and Haley
touts SC’s nuclear potential, promises to fight Obama on Yucca – Nikki Haley for Governor
South Dakota:
Governor-elect Dennis Daugaard (R)
Governor-elect Dennis Daugaard has
said that he believes wind, ethanol, and biofuel energy production are
beneficial to South Dakota
in terms of the environment and the economy.
However, he does not support a cap-and-trade policy or a renewable
energy standard, opting to promote wind energy through tax incentives, reduced
regulation, increased transmission capacity, and expanded use of ethanol in
gasoline through EPA regulations that increase the ratio of ethanol allowed for
use in consumer vehicles fuels. The
Governor-elect also supports additional research on creating cellulosic ethanol
from wood, grass, and other non-edible plant matter. Energy Page – Daugaard for South Dakota and Daugaard
unveils economic plan for South Dakota – Capital Journal and On
energy, candidates for Governor vow to be strong voice – Argus-Leader
Tennessee:
Governor-elect Bill Haslam (R)
Former Knoxville Mayor and
Governor-elect Bill Haslam has said that his top priority as Governor will be
to bring jobs to Tennessee,
especially renewable energy and energy-efficiency jobs. He has also said that he supports the
Tennessee Valley Authority’s goal of increasing the State’s renewable energy
usage to 50% by 2020 (including nuclear and hydroelectric energy). While the Governor-elect served as Mayor of
Knoxville, the City was designated as a Solar America
City by the U.S.
Department of Energy for its efforts to promote solar energy. The Governor-elect has also said he wants to
“foster an environment of collaboration between business and environmental
interests” and that he rejects “the false choice that pits the environment
versus job growth.” Bill
Haslam’s Answers [pdf] - Tennessee
Clean Water Network Questionnaire and Knoxville,
TN – U.S. Department of Energy, Solar America
Cities
Texas: Governor
Rick Perry (R)
Governor Rick Perry has opposed
many of the Obama Administration’s energy policies – for instance, suing the Administration over
greenhouse gas regulations and the offshore oil drilling moratorium and calling
federal cap-and-trade “an economic disaster” – and is “not convinced” that
climate change should be a policy issue.
To meet Texas’s
own energy needs, the Governor has signed bills mandating greater renewable
energy use and has pushed to fast-track new coal burning power plants. He supports an energy portfolio that includes
coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewables. Texas
sues to stop EPA from regulating greenhouse gases – Austin American-Statesman and Gov. Perry: Waxman-Markey
will negatively impact Texas families – Governor
Perry Press Release and Perry’s
strong views on climate change can be muted at home – Austin American-Statesman and Texas increases its renewable
portfolio standard – Pew Center for
Global Climate Change and Despite
pollution worries, Texas builds coal plants – Texas Tribune and Issues
Page – Texans for Rick Perry
Utah: Governor
Gary Herbert (R)
While Governor Gary Herbert has
expressed skepticism that climate change is occurring due to greenhouse gas
emissions – he has said emissions are “probably irrelevant” – his
administration has developed an outline of State energy objectives that will
serve as a baseline for a 10-year energy plan to diversify energy sources for
security reasons. The Governor also held
a series of public meetings that were attended by State residents, oil and gas
companies, and environmental activists to discuss this objective and a range of
options for achieving this goal, which include increased use of renewable
energy, coal, gas, oil, and nuclear energy.
Governor Herbert will release a more formal plan in December 2010 after
months of public comment on the State’s plan. Herbert
challenges reality of global climate change – Deseret News and Utah
Gov. Herbert outlines energy initiative goals – Yahoo Finance and Gov.
Gary Herbert’s 3rd energy hearing brings diverse ideas – Deseret News
Vermont:
Governor-elect Peter Schumlin (D)
Governor-elect Schumlin has cited
climate change as an issue that triggered his return to politics and as the
“number one issue” when he was elected as State Senate Pro Tem in 2006. The Governor-elect wants Vermont
to “lead the nation” in the move toward renewable energy production, which he
believes will provide “huge economic and job creation opportunities for Vermont” as well as reduce
the effects of climate change.
Governor-elect Schumlin has fought to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear
power plant, which is currently scheduled to go offline in 2012, and said he
will set a goal of reducing energy use by 3% each year through energy efficiency
measures. Schumlin
said WHAT??? – Freyne Land and Energy
Page – Peter Schumlin for Governor
and Gubernatorial
candidates Dubie and Schumlin talk energy – WCAX and Senator Peter Schumlin
– Responses to the VT LCV questionnaire – Vermont League of Conservation Voters and Schumlin:
Yes to clean energy; no to Enexus – Peter
Schumlin for Governor
Wisconsin:
Governor-elect Scott Walker (R)
Governor-elect Walker says that he supports removing the
State’s moratorium on building nuclear power plants, calling nuclear a “clean
energy option,” and that the State “must diversify our energy supply” while balancing
cost and environmental impact. During
the campaign, the Governor-elect wrote an open letter to President Obama, critical
of his administration’s “radical environmental policies” and opposed
legislation supported by current Governor Jim Doyle that would set a renewable
energy standard for the State. The
Governor-elect also signed the climate pledge from Americans for Prosperity
vowing that he would not support climate legislation that would include any
increase in State revenue. Jobs
Page – Friends of Scott Walker and
Scott
Walker letter to President Obama [pdf] – Friends of Scott Walker and Scott
Walker statement on global warming legislation – Friends of Scott Walker and Americans
for Prosperity applauds Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker [pdf] – Americans for Prosperity
Wyoming:
Governor-elect Matt Mead (R)
Governor-elect Matt Mead has said
he supports developing clean energy technologies to meet growing energy demands
to supplement coal, oil, and natural gas resources available within
Wyoming. However, he has said he is
“unconvinced that climate change is man-made.”
He strongly opposes any cap-and-trade legislation, including the
proposals considered by Congress, and instead supports increased drilling for
fossil fuels, construction of new nuclear power plants supplied by uranium from
Wyoming, and
an excise tax on wind power. Energy
Page [cached] – Matt Mead for
Governor
National
News
Preparing for the pending Republican takeover
of the U.S. House of Representatives, many political figures are touting their positions
on energy policy and their views on how or even whether to confront climate
change in the 112th Congress.
Congressman John Boehner (R-OH), the presumed
next Speaker of the House, has said that he does not believe that the climate
is changing due to greenhouse gas emissions and has been a steadfast opponent
of cap-and-trade legislation. In
addition, 50% of the new Republican legislators in Congress don’t believe
climate change is a real issue, while 86% have pledged their opposition to any
climate change legislation that increases government revenue. Some House Republicans are hoping to use
their new majority to slow governmental action on climate change, including Congressman
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), who would prefer to keep the House Select Committee
on Energy Independence and Global Warming in place in order to “put a tall
hurdle in the path” of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to
move forward on regulations to limit greenhouse gases. Sensenbrenner:
Keep climate panel alive so I can investigate EPA – Politico.
Meanwhile, just this week, the U.S. EPA
released a guidance document for State and local officials on how to issue
permits for power plants when EPA’s climate change rules take effect next
year. The guidance emphasizes the
importance of energy efficiency as a strategy for reducing the use of
carbon-intensive fuels. It also promotes
the use of biomass as a way to reduce emissions on the grounds that carbon
dioxide that is released when plant material is burned for fuel can be removed
from the atmosphere by new replacement plants. While State and local officials are gearing up
to comply with the new requirements, some concerns are already being raised
about the length of the permitting process under EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions
rules. EPA
Issues Guidelines for States' Permitting for Greenhouse Gases - NYTimes.com
– New York Times
President Obama has tempered his support of climate
control legislation considered in the current Congress by saying: “Cap-and-trade
was just one way of skinning the cat; not the only way.” He has instead proposed working with the new Congress
on a number of issues that he believes Republicans can support, including
development of electric vehicles, converting heavy trucks to run on natural gas,
incentives for energy efficiency, and more emphasis on renewables and nuclear
energy. Obama
to face new foes in global warming fight – New York Times
The lack of agreement on federal legislation to
address climate change also has international implications. European officials believe that other large
countries with growing economies, such as China
and India, will have little
incentive to sign onto an enforceable emissions-reduction pact unless the U.S. government
takes decisive action on this issue.
Under a nonbinding accord agreed to at a U.N.-sponsored summit in
Copenhagen last year, the President Obama pledged to cut U.S. emissions by 17%
by 2020 and contribute $100 billion to help developing countries reduce their
emissions. White House officials point
to other measures being taken at the federal and State level as an indication
that progress is still being made. Chilly
wind blows against global climate pact – Washington Times