Energy Efficiency and Renewable Power...

key to economic development.

As Sue's Blog has demonstrated time and again energy= economic development - and nowadays renewable clean energy = more economic development.

These two statements out of North Carolina

Studies show significant job creation and economic development are possible with energy efficiency. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy examined the link between economic development and energy efficiency in Illinois. Benefits found included energy bill savings, job creation, wage increases and the reduction of air pollutants. Similar economic and environmental benefits can be projected for the Southeast.

After reducing our hunger for electricity, clean, renewable sources of energy -- including wind, solar, hydro, landfill methane, and biomass -- could be developed to support a portion of our remaining energy needs. Investments in these sources would bring their costs down to competitive levels, while keeping those dollars in our state. The state Utilities Commission has a duty to North Carolinians to lead our energy suppliers in this direction, for the long-term benefit of our health and economy.

Here's a story from the Charlotte Observer in North Carolina