In difficult and uncertain times, we are comforted by a clear vision and keeping our eyes on the prize of what is important. In the turbulent 1960s, one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite lines was, “The time is always right to do what’s right.” The new administration in Washington is off to a chaotic start, “flooding the zone” with Presidential actions, poorly configured funding freezes, and direct attacks on both people and the planet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. This is when having a solid bedrock vision is so important.
The science of climate disruption did not transform on January 20, 2025, nor did the importance of treating our neighbors with compassion, nor did the need to build on our clean energy successes in transportation and power generation, and grow good jobs in our region in the clean energy sectors. These commitments are what is right for our time today and every tomorrow to come.
When the federal government partners with private investors and local governments, we solve problems and spur innovation and economic growth. This is not an ideology; it is a proven methodology. Research has demonstrated again and again that clean energy options boost our national and local economies, create good-paying American jobs, strengthen our nation’s energy independence, and lower costs to save working families money – across political parties.
Our Southeast region should take pride in proving this, and here’s why:
- The E2 map tracking major clean energy investments in the private sector since 2022 shows that the Southeast leads the nation in clean energy projects — and the wide majority of these are in Republican Congressional districts.
- A recent SACE report shows the Southeast leads the nation in EV and battery-related jobs and private sector investments, capturing 38% of all national EV investments, with Georgia leading the pack.
- In national investments per Congressional district, North Carolina’s Republican-held 9th district tops the list, thanks to a Toyota battery plant being built in Liberty. The megasite is expected to create thousands of jobs and bring economic growth to the mostly rural area.
By 2030, clean energy investments will save the average American taxpayer $1,000 a year in energy costs. Already, 3.4 million American families have saved more than $8.4 billion on clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades that lower their energy costs. Cutting these investment opportunities will be a direct hit on jobs, businesses, and local communities.
Chaos is not a pathway to solutions; it is a distraction and a tactic designed for us to lose focus on the right thing to do in these challenging times. Here are two things you can do right now:
- Send a message telling your elected leaders that you expect them to stand up for clean energy,
- Join our next Clean Energy Generation call at noon on Feb. 14 to learn about ways we will keep moving forward.
All of us alive today amidst unprecedented climate disruption have the obligation and the opportunity to unite as the Clean Energy Generation. Join alongside us in these difficult times, together we are stronger. Let’s lean into what’s working and stay focused on the path that will lift up our communities and voices. Now is the right time.