During his recent re-election bid, W.Va. Gov. Joe Manchin touted plans for a comprehensive energy bill in the 2009 legislative session. He promised to make alternative energy a key facet of his next state of the state address.
He could do worse than checking in with fellow Democratic Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia for innovative ideas.
While some policy makers are using the current economic crisis as an excuse to walk away from environmental concerns, Gov. Tim Kaine is embracing the opportunity. Michael Sluss reports, Kaine pushes 'green jobs,' renewable energy sources - the governor said creating renewable energy sources would help ease the economic crisis.
Gov. Tim Kaine unveiled more details of his plan to create "green jobs" on Monday, calling for new incentives -- including state tax breaks -- to encourage production of biofuels and clean energy sources and greater use of renewable energy sources.
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Kaine is putting an emphasis on energy and the environment during this final year of his four-year term, despite a $2.9 billion budget shortfall that will require cuts in virtually every state program.
"Creating green jobs and a renewable energy sector of the Virginia economy is one way we can create opportunity from our current economic challenges," said Kaine, who announced his proposals at a Virginia Beach company that installs solar panels.
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Kaine also called for tax incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. He proposed an income tax credit for individuals and corporations to install solar energy systems, with the credits varying according to the size of the system installed.
In addition to income tax breaks, Kaine also called for sales tax exemptions on solar and small wind systems.
State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, will sponsor bills to create the sales tax exemption and expand the clean energy manufacturing incentive.
"As we address the challenges of this economy and put in place a recovery package that gets us moving again, green jobs for hard-working, middle-class families are going to play a big role," Deeds said.
Tim Kaine is a fellow centrist who, like Gov. Manchin, has been criticized for being too friendly with corporations at the expense of progressive policy. If Gov. Tim Kaine can embrace alternative energy, so can Gov. Joe Manchin.
Flickr image credit: sej_photos. SEJ2008 Opening Reception (L-R): Charles Steger, Virginia Tech president; West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin; and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. Photo courtesy Kate Lutz. |
