Take action for clean energy in Kentucky
Kentuckians have a number of important opportunities to take action for clean energy in the coming week. Please mark your calendars, take action, and show support for a clean energy future.
1) A legislative hearing on the Clean Energy Opportunity Act onThursday, October 15th at the Jim Beam Bourbon Distillery in Clermont, KY from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
The Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Interim Joint Committee on Labor and Industry, will meet together on October 15th at the Jim Beam Distilleryin Claremont, about 30 minutes south of Louisville.
The Clean Energy Opportunity Act is on their agenda. This bill is offered by Rep. Mary Lou Marzian and 13 other legislators. It asks utilities in Kentucky to gradually increase their renewable energy generation and do more to help their customers save energy. The bill sets renewable and efficiency targets that are similar to those adopted by Ohio and North Carolina 7-8 years ago. A majority of states have already passed similar laws, which have proven to be an effective driver of clean energy production and jobs.
A 2012 study by Synapse Energy Economics determined that the proposal would generate 28,000 net new jobs in Kentucky and reduce average electric bills by 8-10% compared to a business as usual scenario over the next decade.
Take Action:
Please attend this hearing on Oct 15th to show your support for clean energy in Kentucky!
Then, whether or not you can attend, take a moment to call the legislative message line,1-800-372-7181. Ask to leave a message for members of the Joint Interim Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, and members of the Joint Interim Committee on Labor and Industry. “I urge you to support clean energy policies to create jobs, energy savings and improved health across our Commonwealth.”
2) Take part in a National Day of Climate Action on October 14th.
The People’s Climate Movement and many others have called for a national day of action on Wednesday, October 14, to demand bold actions on the climate crisis facing our planet. Event organizers seek a sustainable, democratic and just economy that preserves our planet and works for all people.
There are at least two actions being planned in Kentucky:
This action is being organized by Louisville Grows, 350.org Louisville and other groups. A march will begin at 4:45 pm at 6th and Broadway, followed by a 5:30 pm rally outside Metro Hall. Please join if you can!
The Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition is organizing a rally called “Hey, Mitch McConnell: Stop Blocking our Future!” Show your support by coming out to the Old Capitol Building (300 W Broadway) in Frankfort at 5:30 pm on October 14th!
3) Take part in a solar tour near you on Saturday, October 10th.
This Saturday is the National Solar Tour, a day when Americans are encouraged to visit nearby solar installations and learn how solar energy is benefiting their communities.
In Kentucky, local tours are being offered in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Berea-Richmond, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, and Lexington!
To find out more about activities and tour sites near you, visit the calendar of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society. Then bring your friends and family to learn about solar in Kentucky!
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