RIEDC and State Leaders Unveil Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Rhode Island’s Green Economy at Collaborative Forum
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February 9, 2010 | Print this page | Share This |
Governor Donald L. Carcieri, Speaker William J. Murphy, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today hosted the Advancing the Green Economy forum, where they unveiled Version 1.0 of a strategic roadmap aimed at creating a clear strategy for the growth and advancement of Rhode Island’s green economy.
Version 1.0 of the “Roadmap for Advancing Rhode Island’s Green Economy,” was presented to more than 200 Rhode Island thought leaders at the Advancing the Green Economy forum, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick.
"Last summer's Green Economy Roundtable was a very productive effort which produced a clear roadmap to further establish Rhode Island's winning strategy to grow our green economy," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "The roadmap includes several action projects which will enable us to accelerate our economic development initiatives including advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency, innovation and wind power. Green energy is one of the sectors our nation is focusing upon to lift us out of the recession. Rhode Island is fertile ground for green collar jobs, and today's discussion will help us build upon the momentum we've gained."
The collaborative forum – the follow-up to last summer’s successful Green Economy Roundtable – further shaped the “Roadmap for Advancing Rhode Island’s Green Economy,” as attendees worked in small groups and provided input on how Version 1.0 of the Roadmap could be improved and advanced, setting the stage for pursuit of a Version 2.0 Roadmap. In addition to the working sessions, keynote speaker ret. U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark explored the importance of growing the green economy to the nation’s security and economic health.
”I am pleased to be a host of this exciting event,” said Speaker of the House William Murphy. “I look forward to further engaging in the development of Rhode Island’s green economy.”
The Roadmap is the product of a six-month-long effort by nearly 200 thought leaders in Rhode Island’s emerging green sector. Following the 2009 Green Economy Roundtable, RIEDC assembled key leaders to develop the Roadmap for advancing the critical green-economy initiatives that were identified last June: advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency, innovation and R&D, and wind power. The content for the Roadmap is based on the outcomes of five small, collaborative workshops – one for each initiative, as well as one focused on establishing related policy – held in late 2009 and early 2010.
“We have taken many steps in both the public and private sectors to position Rhode Island to become a national leader in green industries,” said Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed. “The strategies and actions identified by the various industry, environmental and education leaders brought together for today’s event will help us to build upon these efforts and grow jobs in the emerging green economy.”
The Roadmap identified three key strategies to advance the report’s initiatives:
• Develop a comprehensive state energy strategy
• Organize access to capital for green companies
• Create life-long learners on green career pathways
Additionally, the Roadmap includes a number of action projects for accelerating the green economy initiatives related to advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency, innovation and R&D, and wind power. These include:
• Develop a “center of excellence” in advanced green manufacturing
• Create a direct financial incentive for energy-efficient efforts by the private sector
• Revise the state building code to encourage energy efficient, high-performing buildings
• Create a statewide Small Business Innovation Research liaison
• Promote Quonset Point as a hub for wind power production
• Create a dedicated wind power R&D fund
The Roadmap can be reviewed on the RIEDC’s website at http://publications.riedc.com/view/qe2ne/default
“Today’s event illustrates the collaborative effort by the state of Rhode Island to build upon and improve an emerging green economy for Rhode Island,” said RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes. “At the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, we believe that collaboration is the key to any successful economic development strategy. Growing the state’s green economy is a top priority for the agency as the state works to effectively position itself as a national leader and grow a new workforce here."
People’s Power and Light sponsored this “green” event with 100 percent local wind power, through the New England Wind Fund.
