Big Utilities in N.C. HATE Alternative Energy

There's some buzz developing statewide about the State Senate leadership -- Democrats all, to be sure! -- who proposed in their version of the budget to kill the State Energy Office and therefore eliminate alternative energy research programs at three of our state universities including Appalachian State. (Addendum: This editorial in the Salisbury Post)

It's no secret that the big utility companies are behind this maneuver and that Senators David Hoyle, John Kerr, Janet Cowell, and Katie Dorsett appear to be hauling their water. According to a "legislative alert" from the Progressive Democrats of North Carolina (PDNC), Senator Cowell (who is otherwise known as an "environmentalist") is rationalizing that "killing the Energy Office is essentially an upgrade of its functions." Yeah, right. Where have we heard that kind of reasoning before?

The real target of the budget slashing appears to be Larry Shirley, the director of the State Energy Office, who does not kowtow to the big utilities. From the PDNC alert: "Larry Shirley ... and his staff are heroes to the environmental activists in this state who deal with energy issues. They have been strong, well-informed, principled, and independent advocates for sustainable energy -- and that seems to be the problem."

Locally, the ASU Energy Office is in the forefront of wind power research, solar, biodiesel, micro-hydro, and landfill gas-to-energy projects. It would be more than just a shame to lose this valuable resource. It would be a case of spiteful budget-cutting run amok.

Advocates for alternative energy who want to see the State Energy Office kept in the budget should contact senators Walter Dalton, Kay Hagan, and Linda Garrou, co-chairs of the Appropriations Committee. Their legislative e-mails are available at those links. Watauga County's own representatives, Cullie Tarleton (NC House) and Steve Goss (NC Senate) are both supportive of saving the State Energy Office. The final state budget will have to be worked out in a conference between House and Senate, but it's the top dogs who need to be barked at.