Campaign begins for energy ballot measure

Atlanta Business Chronicle:

A group of clean-energy businesses and environmental advocates has launched a media campaign to convince Georgians to approve a proposal promoting greater energy efficiency in state government.

A constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot would let the state enter into multi-year contracts to replace aging electrical, heating and cooling and water systems in state buildings.

In a campaign that includes a website and several social networking tools, Taxpayers for Energy Efficiency is pushing the measure as a way to boost the economy while cutting government waste.

“Amendment 4 is a win-win proposal that will … create more than 11,000 jobs and make Georgia a more energy efficient state,” said Jason Rooks, the group’s director and president of Clean Energy Strategies LLC of Avondale Estates.

“Rarely do voters have an opportunity to approve an initiative that unites diverse groups from the business community to labor to environmental advocates.”

The amendment was introduced into the Georgia Senate last March with bipartisan backing and passed both legislative chambers overwhelmingly.

It also won support inside Gov. Sonny Perdue’s administration because of its potential to cut about $30 million from the $200 million state agencies now spend each year on electricity and natural gas.

The state has a substantial backlog of needed utility system improvements resulting from both the recession’s impact and an aging inventory of buildings.

The campaign’s website is www.YesToAmendment4.com.