Mayor of Golden and CEOs of Local Clean Energy Companies Join Congressman Crow in Support of the Federal Coronavirus Relief Package

Denver, CO -- This morning, the Sierra Club hosted a webinar with Congressman Jason Crow, Mayor Laura Weinberg of Golden, and CEOs of three local clean energy companies. The telepresser was an opportunity for the panelists to express their support for the federal Coronavirus Relief Package. Panelists discussed the benefits of passing a coronavirus relief bill that bolsters Colorado’s clean energy industry and supports clean energy workers. 

“The clean energy sector is experiencing a number of problems due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in large scale job loss across the country and in Colorado,” said U.S. Representative Jason Crow, CO 6th District. “These are problems Congress can help address now with targeted legislative fixes that would provide certainty to the sector, so that investment can flow back in, projects can safely get back on track, and workers rehired. As Congress prepares the next COVID-19 relief package, we are continuing to fight for immediate relief to the clean energy industry.”  

The global pandemic has had significant negative impacts on the clean energy industry, including solar and wind energy, clean vehicles, energy efficiency, and energy storage. Before the crisis, the industry employed over 3.4 million people across the country. Since March, more than 500,000 of those workers have lost their jobs, including 6,000 in Colorado. 

The House of Representatives passed measures that would provide relief to critical industries that are essential to national economic recovery and growth. The clean energy industry is among those that can support both economic recovery and sustainable modernization of our energy future to address the climate crisis. Specific measures include:

• enacting a multiyear delay to the scheduled phase down or phase out of existing incentives for solar, wind, and energy efficiency

• providing direct payments and refundability of existing tax credits

• expanding ITC eligibility to stand-alone energy storage projects and offshore wind, and lifting the cap on the tax credit for electric vehicles.  

“Rebuilding with clean energy is the rare solution that is both forward-looking and immediately actionable,” said Michael Rucker, founder and CEO of Scout Clean Energy. “Congress can boost today’s economy by preparing America for the future with smart targeted relief to clean energy industries.”

Nationally, two-thirds (67%) of voters support providing financial assistance to renewable energy companies in response to the current economic crisis. In Colorado, the clean energy industry is critical to meeting the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals that were passed into law under House Bill 19-1261 in 2019. House Bill 19-1261, or the Climate Action Plan To Reduce Pollution, was passed by the 2019 Colorado Legislature to reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2026, 50% by 2030, and at least 90% by 2050, based on 2005 emissions levels. HB1261 has the potential to not only protect our air and climate, but modernize Colorado’s economy. 

"Like many others, COVID-19 has impacted our business and our workforce. As a solar business, we saw a pause in installations when the stay-at-home orders began," said Bill Clay, CEO of Centennial-based Solar Power Pros. "We've seen a recent and tenuous turnaround, but there's still a long way to go. The best thing we can do to encourage more solar investment and subsequent job growth, is for Congress to ensure we build back better in the next COVID-19 relief package."

Additionally, Colorado is home to 16 Ready For 100 communities. These cities, counties and towns are committed to reaching 100 percent renewable energy power generation by 2030 or 2035. Colorado’s broad support for the clean energy industry is a reflection of the challenging economics of coal and gas, increased concern around the climate crisis, and the disproportionate impacts of air pollution on communities of color. 

“The Golden community supports continued investment to achieve our energy, water and waste sustainability goals. Strong federal support for the clean energy industry will help our local economy, support our small businesses, and create many new jobs,” said Mayor Laura Weinberg of the City of Golden, one of Colorado’s Ready for 100 communities. “It will also improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful outdoors and outdoor recreation with less pollution and cleaner air.” 

Senate Republicans are expected to introduce their version of the next coronavirus relief bill today or tomorrow, but it is unlikely to include the specific support the clean energy industry and its workers are desperate for. As Senate legislative negotiations between the two parties continue, and the differences between recently passed House bills (HEROES and HR2) are worked out, there is significant opportunity for elected officials and congressional leaders who support clean energy to ensure Congress passes a relief bill that helps protect the clean energy industry and gets many of its workers back on the job. 

 Watch the 25 minute webinar here: https://youtu.be/wkBvuyBvQao