Republicans across the country are acknowledging and showing support for National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), bucking stereotypes that Conservatives do not care about environmentalism.
Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) signed a proclamation officially acknowledging the week, which takes place from September 26 to 30.
“Tennessee believes in clean, affordable, and readily abundant forms of energy,” the proclamation reads. The document also touts that the state’s two nuclear plants produce 47% of in-state electricity
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Lee is not the only Republican governor to recognize NCEW.
Alabama’s Republican Governor Kay Ivey also signed a proclamation acknowledging the week last month. The proclamation recognizes that clean energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal are both already significant forces in America and are part of its future.
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Ivey expanded upon this sentiment during her appearance at an electric vehicle summit, of which she was the keynote speaker.
“We need to lean in on this new technology for the sake of our economy tomorrow,” Ivey said.
She emphasized that it is important for her state to continue to invest in electric energy sources and touted Alabama’s major auto manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, which is producing electric vehicles and batteries.
“Having the ability to source precious metals in the state for lithium ion batteries that power these vehicles will be a big advantage in attracting other EV manufacturers to Alabama,” Ivey said.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has also embraced National Clean Energy Week. He gave remarks on Tuesday at the 2022 NCEW Policy Makers Symposium.
Conservative leaders supporting National Clean Energy Week is especially important given the expected Republican victory in the House of Representatives this November. The GOP has begun to lay the groundwork for a legislative strategy that prioritizes clean and reliable domestic energy production.
“With Republicans poised to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year, Leader McCarthy has been instrumental in formulating an energy and climate strategy that will invest in America, unlock domestic resources, lower costs for families across the country, enhance our national security, and reduce global emissions. I am thrilled to welcome Leader McCarthy to the NCEW Policy Makers Symposium, and I look forward to the remarks that experts from policy, advocacy, and industry will share,” said Heather Reams, NCEW chair and president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.
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McCarthy has been a vocal proponent of alternative energy in the past. He has stated that alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal will help diversify and strengthen America’s energy portfolio.
National Clean Energy Week is important to advancing lasting solutions that bolster our energy security, reduce emissions, and accelerate economic progress. Conservatives across the nation are recognizing this week’s importance and showing that clean energy is indeed an issue that enjoys bipartisan support.
Corey Walker is a budding historian and economist. He loves drinking hot chocolate, wearing sweaters, and watching football in the fall.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
