Bryant honored for green energy efforts

N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant was one of two state lawmakers recently honored by the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association as part of its Green Energy Economy Forum.

Bryant, D-Nash, and N.C. Sen. Josh Stein, D-Wake, were recognized for their leadership and efforts during this year’s legislative session, which resulted in passage of more than a dozen sustainable energy related bills that will create jobs, expand business opportunities and spark financial investments in communities across North Carolina, according to a press release from the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

“We honor and salute Rep. Angela Bryant and Sen. Josh Stein’s leadership on issues critical to making green energy solutions more accessible and affordable for all North Carolinians, their dedicated efforts in supporting policies to make our state competitive nationally in creating green jobs and attracting new investments and furthering the House and Senate’s understanding of how to turn some of our greatest energy challenges into opportunities for our great state,” said Ivan Urlaub, executive director of the association.

Association officials said as the chairwoman of the N.C. House Energy & Energy Efficiency Committee, Bryant played a key leadership role in drafting and encouraging the passage of several bills including the extension of North Carolina’s 35 percent renewable energy tax credit, energy-related government reforms, new financing options for sustainable energy projects, an expansion of state energy savings performance contracts and requiring the state to buy more energy efficient vehicles. She also sponsored legislation to expand the state’s Green Business Fund, study offshore wind energy resources and improve energy efficiency requirements for the state’s building code.