San Angelo Chamber is Advancing a New Energy Economy in Texas

Michael Looney, vice president of economic development at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and his leadership team recruited multiple 200-400 MW energy projects to the region surrounding the West Texas city of approximately 100,000 residents. 

“The chamber wanted to explore ways we could encourage and directly support the development of renewable energy production facilities that would bolster our economy, create new kinds of technical career opportunities, and allow our county to participate in the provision of electrical energy to the Texas power grid,” said Looney.

In 2015, Looney and his chamber team embarked on achieving two priority goals:

1.  To diversify the San Angelo economy into clean energy development and position the San Angelo Chamber as a national leader in that sector.

2.  Equally important: To lead this new initiative with transparency and open communication, provide the community with reliable information.  

Looney and his team successfully recruited 1.2 GW of electric generation within the San Angelo and Tom Green County borders, accomplishing the chamber’s economic and job creation goals. These projects include four utility-scale solar power plants and one 200-MW battery energy storage system.

San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Michael Looney on Capitol Hill

“We believe the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has become one of the strongest proponents of clean energy development in the United States. The chamber is now a catalyst and headquarters for renewable energy development, not just in our county, but across a five-county region known geographically as the Concho Valley,” Looney said. “We have led by example. We have attracted renewable energy developments in wind, solar, and battery energy storage from Canada, the United States, Israel and South Korea. Our clean energy initiatives have successfully complemented our thriving oil and natural gas development services sectors as well. At all levels, our renewable and O&G companies work well together in the area, and in one instance, a national O&G company directly invested in 50% of one of our solar power plants.”

San Angelo’s energy economy continues to diversify beyond new clean energy generation. The Chamber helped land a solar panel recycler for its community and developed a new, privately-owned 184-acre rail port, designed in part to accept wind turbine nacelles and blades for transloading to final regional destinations.

Looney joined CICE for its April 2026 D.C. Fly-In with other chamber and economic development leaders, taking full advantage of the opportunity to share with lawmakers how clean energy powers the San Angelo area’s economy. Whether working with the business community, local, state or federal elected officials, educational leaders or residents, Looney is building bridges to advance a strong clean energy economy and future for his community.

“Clean energy is not a political stance. It is an innovative, cost-effective, efficient and durable method of power generation, which in turn reduces the pressure on other industries that are solely reliant on fossil fuels. We’re excited about our success in the clean energy sector, and to continue our mission to lead the way,” said Looney. 

Lawton/Fort Sill (OK) Economic Development Announces 300 new jobs and new HQ for wind energy company

When Carter Wind Turbines (CWT) selected Lawton, Oklahoma as the site of its new wind energy company, it was the largest economic development announcement the community had seen in 20 years. Along with the new headquarters, the company plans to hire 300 employees over the next 5 years and initially invest $10 million. 

“Bringing quality jobs and investment to our community is essential and we are excited to be making this announcement,” said Brad Cooksey, President of Lawton/Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation (LEDC.) “We look forward to this long-term partnership as Carter Wind Turbines compliments and diversifies our local economy. Lawton is committed to supporting this company from the beginning through all phases of construction and operation and for many years to come.”

The technology developed will be used to replace diesel fuel with wind power, especially in remote, extreme environment locations and developing economies where 50% or more of income is spent on energy. CWT recently received two US Department of Energy grants to continue development and improve access to affordable and reliable electricity. 

“Oklahoma has again demonstrated why we are a Top 10 State,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “I had the opportunity to meet with Matt Carter during his decision-making process and it was clear we had an aligned vision for success. We are so glad to welcome Carter Wind Turbines to Oklahoma.”

LEDC created excitement on their Facebook page for the Carter Wind Turbines announcement with countdown and welcome graphics.

See below for state and local coverage of this announcement:  Oklahoma Department of Commerce: “300 Jobs Announced for Lawton Fort-Sill” ABC 7News-KSWO: “Wind turbine manufacturer opening plant in Lawton, bringing 300 jobs”

For information about the economic benefits of clean energy opportunities in your community, contact Susan Munroe.

‌

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. 

Co-sponsored by:

‌

‌

Largest Clean Energy Convening of Local Chambers at MA Statehouse

Highlights of MA Local Chambers Legislative Briefing

More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators last month for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy.

Rep. Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell) and Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), two of the leading legislators on clean energy, briefed them on what to expect from the remainder of the 2017-2018 session, saying the goal is to build on last year’s work to ensure that Massachusetts remains a clean energy leader.

Among the measures they said the legislature plans to consider supporting:

• An increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to ensure more renewable energy and more clean energy investment and jobs in Massachusetts.

• Increase the caps on solar net metering to allow more businesses and residents who own solar panels to be compensated for providing their excess energy back to the electrical grid. The legislators stated that an increase in the caps will help generate more solar power in the Bay State. See Net Metering explained.

• Energy storage technology, which allows for wind and solar energy to be captured when available and saved for use when needed.

• Increases in energy efficiency statewide.

Offshore wind, they also noted, has strong support since turbines are now placed at off shore distances largely invisible to the naked eye. Several chambers and businesses are eyeing the economic benefits from expected boosts in production and distribution of offshore wind technology in the state.

We also heard that states all along the eastern seaboard and beyond are competing to be the home of the new offshore wind industry. Many legislators want Massachusetts to be the nation’s center for this new industry.

The legislature wants to hear from chambers. Rep. Golden and Sen. Pacheco also said that the Massachusetts legislature wants to hear from local chamber leaders to better understand their members’ experience with clean energy policies and programs—adding that they depend on this to ensure clean energy growth continues.

Co-hosts of the event included the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce (formerly the New Bedford Chamber), the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE).

Stay tuned for details!  CICE will continue to update you on important clean energy discussions with briefing calls, in-person sessions, and more throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your chamber or member businesses would like more information or would like to get more involved in clean energy discussions.

Check out photos from the event here. Credit: “Photography by Sergio Dabdoub: badmonkeypics@outlook.com”.  

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership

In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation.

109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices.

And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership.

“From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough.

“Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.”

In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here.