California Center for Sustainable Energy

At the Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) summit and tenth anniversary celebration in San Francisco last month, I attended a workshop that helped confirm my long-held belief that reaching our nation’s environmental and energy goals is compatible with a vibrant economy, increased employment and good business practices. An organization under the umbrella of the National Resources Defense Council, E2 is comprised of national business leaders who advocate for economically sound environmental policy.

I would like to share with you five changes in the past 10 years that illustrate there is a growing business advantage in clean energy.

• More independence; fewer monopolies – Clean energy technologies offer decentralized generation of electricity, loosening the hold of the nation’s some 3,000 utilities. Solar, geothermal and wind power along with smart grid technologies are attracting billions of dollars.
• Movement in every state – While California leads the nation in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the use of renewable energy sources, 30 other states have mandatory renewable portfolio standards. States are adopting aggressive energy efficiency policies, increasing investments in programs and improving their own facilities and fleets.
• Clean tech investment now mainstream – In 2009, U.S. companies attracted $18.6 billion in clean energy investments.
• California clean tech investments up – Electric vehicles, solar, biofuels and other green energy firms in the U.S. attracted $1.5 billion in new capital in the second quarter 2010, and California got $1.1 billion of it.
• Serious players in Washington – The Obama administration’s 2011 budget has nearly $4.7 billion in clean energy investments, including $2.4 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. An additional $85 million is earmarked for green job training.

Governor Schwarzenegger spoke at the E2 summit, reconfirming California’s commitment to meeting aggressive goals for renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions and stating that California must continue to lead the way for the rest of the nation.

Realizing our nation's environmental, economic and energy goals will require thoughtful policies and market-based support of clean energy technologies. Today’s investments in clean tech and clean energy will help us secure a more stable and sustainable world.

Continue reading November's newsletter.