The Heat is On

”For the sake of our security, our economy and our planet, we must have the courage and commitment to change. It will be the policy of my administration to reverse our dependence on foreign oil while building a new energy economy that will create millions of jobs.”

-President Obama

The Purpose

An Economy in Crisis

Like many states across the nation, North Carolina’s economy is in crisis. We lost over 185,000 jobs in 2008 and our unadjusted unemployment rate skyrocketed to an all-time high of 11.1% last May. Unemployment is up in all 100 counties; every part of the state is suffering. Every day, more and more North Carolinians are worried about how they will pay high energy bills and food prices.

It is time to get North Carolina’s economy moving again by investing in clean energy.

Solutions for a Better Future

Repowering our economy and solving the climate crisis will be the biggest economic boon to our state and nation in generations. As the world confronts the challenge of global warming, there will be a surge in demand for clean and efficient technologies. The U.S. will either develop and export these technologies in North Carolina and other states, or we will import them from other countries.

Right now, North Carolina imports practically all of its energy resources - coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, and other sources - with total energy expenditures estimated at more than $30 billion annually. The price of traditional energy sources will only continue to rise and the need for action to protect our climate and the natural beauty of our state is clear. The situation is a challenge that presents North Carolina with great opportunity.

A recent study of the American Clean Energy & Security Act, a historic clean energy package that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, found that the legislation's $150 billion investment in clean energy would boost our own state's investment revenue by $4.3 billion and create 51,210 new, good paying jobs across various sectors of the economy here in North Carolina.

Our state could once again become a leader in manufacturing. And with substantial offshore wind energy capacity on our coasts, we could cut the costs of importing oil and help make America energy independent. Through partnerships with our top notch university and community college systems, we could train workers for these new clean energy jobs right here at home.

To truly rebuild our economy, we need to unleash the private sector – but in a new direction. The opportunity that the emerging clean energy economy presents is clear, but our state needs the assistance of comprehensive federal climate legislation to realize our full potential before other countries seize all of those new jobs and technologies. In these challenging times, our leaders cannot afford to wait, they must act now.

Join this campaign today to help us encourage members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to implement policies that put us on a clear path towards a clean energy economy, moving our nation beyond the carbon-based fuels that threaten our environment, our economy, and our national security.

"Denial of the climate change problem will not change our destiny. A comprehensive energy and climate bill that caps and then reduces carbon emissions will.

America has the opportunity to lead a new industrial revolution of creating sustainable, clean energy. We can sit on the sidelines and deny the scientific facts, or we can get in the game and play to win." 

- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu

The Project

Transforming our energy sector away from fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, toward new clean technologies will require a serious commitment. Like all great challenges, it will require bold leadership and a clear vision.

With our economy struggling and our energy crisis worsening, the time for action is now. 

That is why Conservation Council of North Carolina has partnered with our national affiliate, the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, on The Heat is On campaign. We are working hard across North Carolina to urge our own Congressional leaders to vote for federal legislation that will jumpstart North Carolina's economy by building a clean energy future.

The Heat Is On campaign encourages our leaders in Washington to adopt these goals:

• Move to 100% electricity from clean sources such as wind and solar

• Cut our dependence on oil in half

• Create 5 million new clean energy jobs

• Reduce global warming pollution by at least 80%

Legislative Priorities

Passing comprehensive clean energy legislation is the most important step we can take to strengthen our economy, improve our energy security and protect our planet. As Congress works to lay out a new plan for America's future, The Heat Is On campaign encourages our elected officials to support legislative initiatives that move us closer to this objective.

The Coalition

In 2009, The Heat Is On program joined Clean Energy Works, a diverse coalition of over 60 grassroots organizations representing over 12 million Americans. This unprecedented grassroots coalition includes faith leaders, labor organizations, veterans, environmental activists, sportsmen, farmers, business leaders, youth, community leaders, and other groups, all calling for urgent action on a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan that delivers clean energy jobs, less pollution, and a more secure America.

National Security Warning:

Find out why veterans are calling on Congress to pass climate change legislation

for more information:
Alina Johnson
Global Warming Policy Liaison
919.839.0978
alina [at] conservationcouncilnc [dot] org

Join Our Fan Page!

photography on this page by Gray Powell, all rights reserved.