West Virginia chamber executives, industry leaders and Senator Manchin discuss economic opportunities for clean energy innovation
Earlier this month West Virginia chambers of commerce and business leaders participated in CICE’s “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” virtual panel co-hosted by:
- Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN),
- Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce,
- Mineral County Chamber of Commerce,
- Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce,
- Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
The economic development panel featured Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Proctor and Gamble, Clearway Energy, Toyota, and Dakota Power Partners.
Senator Manchin kicked off the call by discussing bi-partisan legislation he is spearheading with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK.) The American Energy Innovations Act, Manchin estimated, will inject $24 billion to advance renewable energy, potentially reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90% as well as strengthen the country’s global position. “This is exactly the conversation we need to be having right now,” Senator Manchin shared. “There is significant economic opportunity to be found in clean energy, and our top priority right now needs to be economic recovery and growth”.
Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber, appreciated the senator kicking off the economic development panel stating, “As Senator Joe Manchin pointed out, clean energy is an integral part of West Virginia’s future growth and key to an all-in energy plan.”
Attendees then heard from an impressive business panel including:
Proctor and Gamble
James McCall, Senior Director of Global Climate and Supply Chain Sustainability for P&G, was introduced by Tina Combs, President of Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber. McCall shared the company’s billion-dollar brand’s focus on corporate responsibility and what the organization was doing to “build in sustainability” into the supply chain. P&G believes you can “be a force for good AND a force for growth. It’s about growing responsibly” said McCall. “We are using less water, less energy and producing less waste today than we were in 2010.”
Clearway Energy
Dan Hendrick, Head of External Affairs- East for Clearway Energy was introduced by Randy Crane, President of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce. Dan spoke about the Black Rock Wind Farm which is set to inject millions into West Virginia’s energy infrastructure, create local jobs, and generate tax revenue. He talked at length about their intention to be in WV long term and their desire to help workers who have been displaced in the coal industry and help bring them into the fold. “In the absence of a renewable portfolio standard in West Virginia it really is large corporations who are driving growth in renewable energy in West Virginia,” Hendrick stated.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Bob Welch, General Manager Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, was introduced by Bill Bissett, President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber. Welch spoke of Toyota’s vision and commitment to clean energy and the environment, their comprehensive clean energy goals and their focus on plant emissions. Welch shared, “Taking care of our environment is not a one-time event but an educational process.”
Dakota Power
Timothy Daniels, Principal at Dakota Power was introduced by Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Daniels discussed how recent legislative changes have made West Virginia the ideal location for their business and how they are now planning billions of dollars in investments. “As far as what we do- which is large scale solar, West Virginia is open for business.”
Read here
for press coverage of the “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” panel discussion.
To learn more about the benefits of clean energy opportunities in West Virginia, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com.
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