Perriello, veterans unite to share support for clean energy

Army veteran Lela Graham would like to be able to show veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan how America is investing in energy independence.

Graham and other veterans visited Red Birch Energy in Bassett and the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research in Danville on Sunday as part of the Veterans for American Power national bus tour sponsored by Operation Free.

“I just see a lot of potential,” Graham said.

Graham, of Charlottesville, National Guard veteran Stefan Stent, of Washington, D.C., and Army infantry staff sergeant veteran Chuck Tyler, of Pittsburgh, will spread the word nationally about bioenergy projects and energy and education initiatives occurring in Southside.

The biodiesel-fueled bus tour highlights the connection between climate change and national security and supports clean energy legislation. The veterans toured the Institute with Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, and thanked the Congressman for supporting clean energy.

“At the intersection of American patriotism and American entrepreneurship is the new energy economy,” Perriello said.

Other countries aren’t waiting to see if America is going to lead. They’re trying to beat us, Perriello continued.

“We have the opportunity in Southside Virginia to lead the new energy economy,” Perriello said. “I want the jobs to be grown right here in Southside instead of India or China.”

Secondly, creating energy gives Americans the chance to make the country more secure in terms of energy independence, Perriello said.

Additionally, the implications of climate change are important. As sources of water dry up, conflicts over water or other resources could arise, Perriello said.

Stent said he saw how climate change and natural disaster could affect countries like Indonesia.

“Climate change and the lack of action thereof makes the world a dangerous place,” Tyler added.

The veterans, Perriello and other community leaders learned Sunday how the Institute works to help Southside in alternative energy. Barry Flinn, Ph.D., of the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources showed how researchers work to create crops that regional farmers can produce, including crops used for bioenergy production.

Executive Director Liam Leightley shared plans for the Institute’s new Sustainable Energy and Technology Center, which would serve not only as a place of research but a demonstration in itself. The building will be LEED-certified and specially designed for energy efficiency, using LED lights and solar panels.

Students touring the facility can see how alternative energy works in practice.

“This will serve as a center for excellence,” Leightley said. “It will serve as a proving ground.”