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"Save RI Solar" Rally
Policy changes needed now, advocates say
by Mary Grady
PROVIDENCE, October 25, 2006 -- It was a breezy, bright October noontime, and Bob Chew, weary of arguing his points about Rhode Island's energy future inside the State House halls, took the fight out to the street. "Over 29 years ago, I incorporated a solar contracting company in Rhode Island," he began. "And in my wildest dreams, I would never have believed that we would need a save-solar rally to get the administration to include solar energy in all of its forms to be part of an overall energy strategy."
Chew, a well-known solar advocate, is owner of SolarWrights. His immediate concern is that the state Energy Office implemented a policy earlier this year cancelling incentives for photovoltaic installations. "This has caused the photovoltaic industry in Rhode Island to collapse and held back the wind industry," Chew says. He added that his company remains busy with projects in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but he wants to see progress in his home state. "I have just had to tell my Rhode Island crew that there are no upcoming jobs in R.I.," he said.
The event drew about two dozen supporters, and occasional encouraging beeps from passing motorists. Several other speakers followed Chew, and talked about their satisfaction with their own home solar projects, and expressed support for more.
For the full text of Chew's speech, click here. SolarWrights also is sponsoring the SaveRISolar Web site.
ProJo columnist Bob Kerr wrote about Chew and his crusade in Wednesday's Journal. Click here for that story.
Environment Rhode Island has made energy policy a top priority. Read about their New Energy Future Campaign here.
 
 
Mary Grady is the editor of Natural News Network.
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