A new report by the Appalachian Regional Commission is calling for a bold strategy of energy efficiency by the Appalachian region.
Specifically, the report concludes that the 13 Appalachian states could create thousands of jobs and save billions of dollars in energy costs by aggressively pursuing a regional strategy of energy efficiency by 2030.
The 233-page report released Wednesday is titled “Energy Efficiency in Appalachia: How much more is available, at what cost and by when?” It warns that unless bold steps are taken, the 23.6 million residents of the Appalachian region, which includes West Virginia and Virginia, could see a 28 percent rise in energy consumption by 2030. That’s in comparison to the estimated 19 percent consumption increase predicted by 2030, the Associated Press reported.
Meeting the unprecedented energy demand will require 40 new coal-fired electric power plants and 182 million barrels of oil, according to the report prepared by the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance for the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The report also suggests a number of energy saving proposals for the 13-state region, including more stringent building codes and incentives to retrofit old heating and cooling systems that could reduce energy consumption by 24 percent in 2030
The report also predicts that the path to energy efficiency could lead to new jobs — lots of new jobs. It specifically estimates 16,231 jobs by 2010. That estimate increases to 77,378 new jobs by 2030. This includes architects, engineers, construction workers and other related jobs that will play a role in achieving energy efficiency.
It is important to note that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine are already taking steps to meet many of the recommendations included in the Appalachian Regional Commission study to achieve energy efficiency in the Mountain State and the Commonwealth.
Manchin is also hoping West Virginia can be a national leader when it comes to achieving energy independence.
We are encouraged by the findings of this study, and the prospect of long-term job creation on the road to energy efficiency by 2030. However, it will take action and unity among the 13 Appalachian region states in order for this report to become a reality.
Otherwise, it will simply be another report with recommendations that are never acted upon.
Editorials
March 19, 2009
Energy efficiency
Strategy could benefit Appalachian states
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