Press Release
Oct. 8, 2015
Contact Laura Rehrmann, rehrmannl@c2es.org, 703-516-0621
C2ES Launches Solutions Forum
Brings together business, state and city leaders on clean power and climate resilience
WASHINGTON – The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) today launched a major new initiative – the C2ES Solutions Forum – to bring together businesses, cities and states to expand clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Over the next two years, C2ES will gather dozens of business, state and city leaders in a series of public and private forums around the country to explore critical issues, develop collaborative approaches, and create a set of practical solutions.
The C2ES Solutions Forum will address three principal challenges:
· Employing market-based strategies under the new federal Clean Power Plan to reduce power sector emissions;
· Mobilizing innovative finance for clean energy, efficiency and other climate-related efforts; and
· Strengthening communities’ climate resilience.
Initial workshops are being held in Detroit, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Seattle. Recommendations emerging from the Solutions Forum will be widely disseminated to inform policy and investment decisions nationwide.
“Right now, the most practical and effective solutions to climate change require closer collaboration among companies, states and cities,” said C2ES President Bob Perciasepe. “The C2ES Solutions Forum will bring these key players together to generate innovative ideas that work.”
To set the stage for this major effort, C2ES hosted a series of public discussions in Washington over the spring and summer that drew more than 350 experts, stakeholders, and business and government representatives. C2ES also consulted widely with business, state, and city leaders to identify the issues they felt would benefit most from closer collaboration.
The C2ES Solutions Forum will focus on three key areas:
· Market Approaches to Reducing Emissions. States have tremendous flexibility to implement the new federal Clean Power Plan. Many are weighing market-based approaches as a cost-effective way to cut emissions, incentivize renewables and efficiency, drive technological innovation, and promote interstate cooperation.
· Innovative Climate Finance. Stronger investment in energy infrastructure, clean energy technology, efficiency, and resilience is critical. States and cities are seeking innovative finance mechanisms to leverage limited public dollars to mobilize more private sector investment.
· Building Resilience. Extreme weather and other climate impacts are already imposing significant costs on companies and communities. Many states, cities and businesses are assessing their climate risks, but not always together. Creating venues for sharing knowledge and resources is essential.
Business, state and city leaders are welcoming the collaborative approach of the C2ES Solutions Forum.
“Tackling tough issues such as energy efficiency and conservation can have great benefits for both the environment and economy,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Robert J. Martineau, Jr. “C2ES provides a great forum to bring a diverse set of stakeholders together to find ways to work on creative and pragmatic solutions.”
“We welcome C2ES’ help in developing collaborative approaches to our energy and climate challenges,” said Martha Rudolph, Director of Environmental Programs, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “When ideas and experiences are shared and barriers are addressed collaboratively, success will follow.”
Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter said, “We all have a stake in building a clean energy and resilient economy. The C2ES Solutions Forum will foster the collaborative approach we need to address our challenges.”
“Bringing businesses, states and cities together to create innovative solutions is a strength of C2ES, and we welcome their efforts to help us tackle these challenges,” said Jennifer Weber, Duke Energy Executive Vice President, External Affairs and Strategic Policy.
Rod West, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice-President of Entergy, said, “Building coastal resilience is an important part of Entergy’s business strategy, and that resilience requires working with our communities and customers to prioritize our investments so that we complement what others are doing. The C2ES Solutions Forum will provide an important venue for these discussions.”
“State environmental agency leaders are seeking thoughtful approaches to respond to today’s energy opportunities and challenges,” said Alexandra Dunn, Executive Director and General Counsel, Environmental Council of the States. “C2ES can bring states, cities, and businesses together to advance innovative ideas, making the Solutions Forum a very exciting effort.”
Major sponsors for the C2ES Solutions Forum include Bloomberg Philanthropies, Energy Foundation, GE Foundation, and JPB Foundation.
Learn more about the C2ES Solutions Forum at: www.c2es.org/solutions-forum.
About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting strong policy and action to address our energy and climate challenges. As a trusted convener and respected source of independent analysis, C2ES works to galvanize business and public support for policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate impacts. Learn more at www.c2es.org.