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Newsroom
March 9, 2010
Speaker Donovan Testifies
In Support Of Green Jobs Bill
Says there is "vast, largely untapped potential
for green jobs-related growth" in CT
March 1, 2010
Speaker Donovan's Panels On Green Jobs And Electric Rate Relief Release Reports Of Recommendations
Donovan says green jobs and electric rate relief will lead to job growth in state
SPEAKER DONOVAN TESTIFIES
IN SUPPORT OF GREEN JOBS BILL
Says there is "vast, largely untapped potential
for green jobs-related growth" in CT
Calling green jobs "the jobs of the future," Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today urged passage of HB 5465, An Act Concerning the Development of Green Jobs, in testimony before the General Assembly's Energy and Technology Committee. [The full text of his testimony is attached.]
"Connecticut is well-positioned to develop a thriving economy in which green jobs and affordable energy play a central role," Speaker Donovan said, "In order to put Connecticut back to work, we must position ourselves on the cutting edge of this emerging field."
Speaker Donovan said the availability of federal funding, evolving technological and certification standards, existing training programs in the state, and a highly trained manufacturing base that could transition to building fuel cells and solar panels give Connecticut a competitive edge in the development and conservation of green jobs.
Earlier this year, Speaker Donovan convened a green jobs panel to review current efforts in Connecticut related to green jobs and to make recommendations for potential legislative action. Many of those recommendations, he said, are contained in HB 5465.
Speaker Donovan added that Connecticut "must be sure to maintain current funding levels for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Governor Rell's recent proposals to sweep or securitize millions of dollars in funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects cast the future of these programs into doubt; moreover, it had a profound and unsettling effect upon the industry that is critical to growing Connecticut's green economy."
He also said the state must work to "implement innovative financing mechanisms that will make capital readily available at low-interest rates and maximize our ability to access and utilize federal funding for green-collar initiatives."
In his testimony, Speaker Donovan also expressed support for electric rate relief. "In the face of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, Connecticut ratepayers and businesses are in dire need of action on their behalf. By bringing our electric rate system into closer alignment with proven rate-relief best practices from other states, we can take significant steps forward in easing the burden on the individual ratepayer, making Connecticut attractive to businesses, and growing the economy as a whole."
March 4, 2010
GREEN JOBS
Speaker of the House Chris Donovan and Energy and Technology Chair Rep. Vickie Nardello joined the Green Jobs Coalition at a press conference on creating jobs in Connecticut's green business sectors and ensuring that the state continues to meet the environmental standards that have made it a model for the rest of the country.
SPEAKER DONOVAN'S PANELS ON GREEN JOBS AND ELECTRIC RATE RELIEF
RELEASE REPORTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Donovan says green jobs and electric rate relief will lead to job growth in state
Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Energy Committee co-chair Rep. Vickie Nardello (D-Bethany, Cheshire, Prospect) today announced the release of two reports from separate working groups that the Speaker created earlier this year to investigate the issues of green jobs and electric rate relief in the state.
The two groups, which are both chaired by Rep. Nardello and are made up of a bipartisan group of legislators, state officials, energy experts, business associates, and utility representatives, have been working side-by-side to develop a packet of short and long-term recommendations that the legislature will consider during the current session. The reports contain all of the recommendations provided by each of the panel's members.
Speaker Donovan created both panels specifically with the goal of bringing various stakeholders together in order to discuss how to continue growth in Connecticut's "green sector" and reduce utility rates for businesses and families – both critical issues to stimulating job growth in the state.
"We know that the quickest way to recovery is by reducing costly burdens on people, and through the creation of jobs," Speaker Donovan said. "Our high energy rates are causing homeowners and businesses considerable pain, and we have a real opportunity to create a green economy here in Connecticut that can be an economic development leader in the state and a model for the nation."
Rep. Nardello said, "High energy costs mean fewer jobs and fewer dollars. The recommendations of the panels will be vetted through the legislative hearing process with the expectation that the legislature will consider final bills that determine best practices for providing rate relief and developing green jobs."