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LABOR AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
 Many
states are considering Renewable Portfolio Standards or other
legislative changes for the energy and environmental benefits
they offer. Yet, it is our experience that policy debates
on renewable energy go beyond energy and environmental issues
to include the economic impacts with particular focus on job
creation.
REPP is undertaking a major effort to determine the job creation
potential of Renewable Portfolio Standards and other initiatives.
REPP's initial work has already been used by the Nevada AFL-CIO
to support a strong RPS in Nevada, and REPP hopes to expand
the analytical effort and offer the model to unions, economic
development programs, and renewable advocates in other states.
This effort began with the paper "The Work that Goes Into
Renewable Energy" published in November 2001. REPP used the
report's survey results to develop a calculator of jobs related
to renewable development. The two products led in turn to
a partnership between the Nevada AFL-CIO and REPP. REPP's
intended product expansion will include a survey of current
construction and operation practices with all types of renewable
technologies. The calculator will also be refined to suite
any states' data, and updated regularly.
REPP
Activities, Testimony, and Publications
REPP
Activities
Location of Manufacturing Activity
REPP, with support
from the Energy Foundation, is researching the location
of wind energy component and subcomponent manufacturers
in the U.S. and the number of jobs associated with these
manufacturing activities.
Nevada
RPS
The Nevada
AFL-CIO, with assistance of REPP, filed comments to the
Nevada Public Service Commission regarding State Senate
Bill 382, establishing a Renewable Portfolio Standard for
Nevada.
Nevada
PV Bill
Pilot programs have been approved to accelerate
the market development for distributed PV installations
in schools, public buildings, and individual residential
and small business establishments.
Nevada PUC establishes incentives for Solar Energy Pilot Program
Beginning July 1, 2004, participants can receive $5 per watt for solar energy systems up to a combined total of 500 kilowatts. By 2006, the incentive will be $3 per watt up to a combined total of 3 megawatts of capacity.
Washoe Tribe to be first NV Solar Demonstration Program Participant
In late April, the Nevada PUC announced the first participant in the solar pilot program: the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The tribe will install a 7.5-kilowatt solar power system on the Washoe Environmental Protection Department building in Gardnerville, about 15 miles south of Carson City.
Labor
Calculator
Calculates the number of direct jobs created
from Renewable Portfolio Standards.
Testimonials
REPP
Executive Director Testifies at Congressional Hearing
In June 17, 2002 comments titled "Energy:
Maximizing Resources; Meeting Our Needs; Retaining Jobs",
Exec. Director George Sterzinger testified to the House
Government Reform Committee, Subcommittee on Energy Policy,
Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs.
Initial
Nevada Testimonial
AFL-CIO
testimony to Nevada Public Service Commission, January 18,
2002.
Additional
Nevada Testimonial
AFL-CIO
testimony to Nevada Public Service Commission, April 29,
2002.
Publications
The
Work That Goes Into Renewable Energy (November
2001)
Report on the job creation associated with
the development of renewable energy projects.
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