Clean energy biz: Nebraska's Home Energy Alternatives

By Ed Toribio, owner of Home Energy Alternatives in Nebraska. This is the second in a series of posts from clean energy business leaders across America.  -- Luis

Last month, as we wrapped-up Independence Day celebrations, I recalled the meaning behind this important holiday, the birthday of our country. The Founders had a clear vision for this country based in the belief that all Americans are entitled to the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today, our dependency on foreign oil and the effects of global climate change has put these fundamental rights at risk.

At first, it is hard to find a connection between life, liberty, happiness and energy, but if you look closely, the American way of life depends heavily on access to energy sources. With increasing demand for energy, it becomes a challenge to use energy in a responsible manner; therefore, we must consider the impact and negative repercussions of generating electricity burning fossil fuels.

We need to be serious about reducing greenhouse emissions and breaking our dependency on foreign energy. The strategies and resources for achieving such goals can be found right here in the U.S. It is essential we develop renewable energy resources to meet our country’s energy demand. With the transition to a clean energy economy, the U.S can accelerate the economic recovery by opening roads to private investment and putting hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work. Building a new smart grid, upgrading aging transmission lines, extensive research in biofuels, solar, and battery technology will create well-paying jobs for construction workers, machinery operators, engineers, technicians, project managers and all the indirect jobs needed to support these industries.

As the owner of a small solar company in Nebraska, I offer sales, design and installation services of solar electric systems for homeowners and businesses. As part of the initial contact with my customers, I usually ask them what their motivation to buy a solar system is. All of them seem to have the same answer, “I want to take control of my energy future, I am concerned about increasing energy prices and I want to be a good steward of the environment”. The State of Nebraska does not have a Renewable Portfolio Standard, so it is difficult for my business to grow and hire more workers. Nationally, Nebraska ranks third in the country for wind energy and 12th for solar potential. A National Standard will open the doors for companies like mine to develop these resources, contribute to the economy and produce private-sector jobs. Without a standard, my business might not be able to make it into the next year.

I urge members of both parties in Congress to work together to resolve this energy and climate issue, putting the best interest of the country before special interests and scare tactics. The Founders created government to guarantee all Americans the right to grow in a healthy environment and seek happiness in a free country. The role of government should be to protect its citizens and make sure those ideals stay intact for generations to come. The time has come for our elected officials to act and pass a comprehensive energy and climate bill that works for America and protects our freedom. The politics of delay and denial are a serious threat to the founder’s ideals and the American way of life.