Pick Rick Hube for State Representative

Purpose: Ensuring the economic and environmental well-being of current and future generations requires a wide ranging commitment to responsible pro-growth policies.  We can capitalize on new opportunities to create jobs and encourage smart development, while supporting renewable energy projects.   

Plan: In Green Growth Zones, a renewable energy source (wind towers, solar arrays, a biomass facility, a hydroelectric facility) will serve as the hub around which businesses can locate and create jobs with special incentives such as financing, expedited permitting and lower electric rates.   A portion of the power generated by the renewable infrastructure will be made available to commercial enterprises or housing within the GGZ.  The pricing of the power within the area will be independent of the pricing outside of the area with a goal to have discounted rates within the GGZ.

The size of generation projects within the area that wish to net meter can be up to 2 MW, which is more than the currently allowed cap of 250 kW for certain net metered projects.  GGZs that incorporate co-generation facilities will sell their excess heat within the designated area. They will also be eligible for an “umbrella permit” and will receive expedited, priority permitting from relevant state agencies.  Renewable generation facilities that need a certificate of public good will have certain criteria reduced or automatically accepted if located in a GGZ.

We will investigate the opportunity to provide special low-cost loan rates through VEDA that will be below normal lending rates.  Companies within the GGZ will also be eligible for a separate VEGI set aside program with an altered formula to achieve higher benefits.

The entire GGZ will be considered a 10 year tax increment financing (TIF) zone.  The incremental property taxes generated will be available to pay off debt associated with the construction of infrastructure that serves the area.

Renewable generation projects within the GGZ will get preferential scoring for grants and loans by the CEDF Investment Committee, as well as increased funding levels.

Each Regional Development Corporation, in conjunction with a host community, may designate one Green Growth Zone for their region.  The application and process will be made to VEPC and should show significant local support.