More and more, conservative voices are making the case that the U.S. can’t achieve energy dominance without solar power. Even the leading industry trade group is changing its strategy.
Earlier this year, Politico reported that the American Clean Power Association launched the “American Energy First” campaign to engage Kellyanne Conway and conservative influencers like Katie Miller “to amplify the benefits of solar energy” and “note the harm that could result from reckless trade policy.” Meanwhile, conservative groups at the state and federal level are advocating for building out solar power in service of private property rights, economic development and national security.
Episode Guests:
Kelsey Brugger, Congressional policy reporter, Politico
Skyler Zunk, Executive Director, Energy Right; Executive Director, America First Energy
Lillian Floutsis, Indiana Senior Field Representative, Indiana Land and Liberty, Conservative Energy Network
This episode also features a reported piece from David Condos of KUER.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Intro
03:00 – Kelsey Brugger explains American Clean Power memo about reaching out to conservative influencers
06:30 – Does this indicate an ideological shift on the right?
09:40 – How much can this effort shift views within the administration
14:00 – Kelsey Brugger on what this story says about how the clean energy industry is positioning itself
19:00 – Skylar Zunk shares rationale behind his “Make Solar Great Again” hats
23:40 – How America First Energy frames solar energy
32:00 – How approach to solar energy conversation differ in D.C. and Louisiana
36:50 – KUER’s David Condos reports on Utah communities moving toward renewable energy
43:00 – Lillian Floutsis shares story from Allen County, Indiana, about local debate around setbacks for solar energy development
48:00 – Floutsis on framing solar conversations in Indiana around property rights, economic development and national security
53:00 – Climate is usually not a part of these conversations
54:20 – Floutsis share solar success stories
57:50 – Climate One More Thing
For show notes and related links, visit our episode page at climateone.org
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