If nothing else, recent events in the Gulf of Mexico have finally focused the nation on alternate energy sources, but these fledgling programs often need support to get off the ground. Peter Asen of Ocean State Action invites concerned citizens to the State House today,
. . . to attend a press conference with State Rep David Segal (D-Providence, East Providence) in support of his budget amendment to restore the $1 million that Governor Carcieri and the House Finance Committee have proposed cutting from the budget.
Jobs advocates and environmental advocates alike will be gathering in support of Segal’s amendment to restore the funds cut from the Renewable Energy Fund. This is a tiny piece of the budget but a huge investment for Rhode Island’s economic and energy future. The Renewable Energy Fund is a modest surcharge, a part of the ‘conservation fee’ on the utility bills received by residents and businesses. It is explicitly collected for the purpose of funding renewable energy development. This is part of a policy for reducing long-term energy costs by investing now in clean energy that will not grow more expensive as the costs of fossil fuels grow. Losing $1 million from the Renewable Energy Fund will kill the many potential wind projects municipalities are currently considering.
1pm, Thursday, Rhode Island State House, press conference on the Smith Street side
sign the e-petition! http://citizenspeak.org/node/2055
Speakers to include State Representative David Segal, Bob Chew of Alteris Renewables, Karina Lutz of People’s Power and Light, and Becca Rast of RI Student Climate Coalition.