For Immediate Release

Contact:
Bill Jirsa, 303.885.8756
billjirsa@yahoo.com


Ballot issue 1A positions Boulder County residents for green jobs
and lower energy bills as ‘the hub of the new energy economy’

While the U.S. economy shed 159,000 jobs in September amid strong recessionary
headwinds, local leaders set sail towards the rapidly growing green economy


LONGMONT, CO – 10/6/08 – After weeks dominated by troubling economic news, including the largest monthly job losses in the U.S. since 2003, two new efforts offer a ray of sunshine for the local economy.

Starting this week, local citizens will get to vote on Boulder County ballot issue 1A, which is a first-in-the-nation program to increase the use of solar energy and energy efficiency by removing the upfront cost through energy bill savings. Plus, just last week Congress expanded federal tax incentives for solar energy, wind, and energy efficient home improvements by passing H.R. 1424.

These two new programs and incentives, combined with strong local support for renewable energy, will boost the local economy for years to come.

“Issue 1A helps property owners save on utility bills and stimulates the local economy,” said Longmont Mayor Roger Lange during a press conference on Monday. “This innovative program is a no-brainer.”

1A offers low-interest loans to help families and business afford renewable energy and energy efficient upgrades for their properties – without raising taxes. It’s a voluntary program that lowers monthly utility bills and expands the local market for clean energy.

“Ballot issue 1A strengthens the region’s positioning as ‘the hub of the new energy economy,’” added Will Toor, Boulder County Commissioner. “With 1A we can promote economic sustainability and environmental sustainability at the same time.”

Boulder County is home to many rapidly-growing organizations in the new energy economy, as well as thousands of green jobs being added for ConocoPhillips’ alternative energy research facility in Louisville, Siemens wind R&D facility in Boulder, AVA Solar in Longmont, and others.

According to a recent report from the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors currently support 8.5 million jobs in the U.S. and the potential is for these sectors to generate as many as 40 million jobs by the year 2030.


ABOUT ISSUE 1A:
Boulder County ballot issue 1A offers low-interest loans to help families and business afford renewable energy and energy efficient upgrades for their properties – without raising taxes. At a time of skyrocketing energy costs, this innovative program allows property owners to go solar, add energy efficient windows, or make other money-saving energy upgrades without the upfront cost. Savings from the lower monthly utility bills can be used to help repay the loans. www.yes1a.org