Our Appalachian Voices — Kathy and Rees Shearer

Kathy & Rees Shearer

I’m Rees Shearer. One of the most exciting things my wife Kathy and I have done since we built our home here in Emory, Va., was to add our ground-mounted solar panels. The 4 kilowatt system generates two-thirds of our annual electric energy needs. We love it.

Lately, utilities have cast a dark shadow over the bright prospects for rooftop solar power in Virginia and are seeking to impose new costs on residential solar generators, effectively, “taxing the sun.” Meanwhile, most state legislators refuse to vote for job-creating legislation that would greatly expand the solar and energy efficiency industries.

I’m pleased to work with Appalachian Voices to fight for our freedom to choose green energy options. We’re working together to win investments in energy efficiency programs and solar power that build our Commonwealth and multiply good local jobs.

I want to encourage everyone to contribute to Appalachian Voices along with me so we can create a clean energy future for Virginia.

Protecting the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountain Region