September 29, 2017 concluded the inaugural celebration of National Clean Energy Week. NCEW was hosted in Washington D.C., organized by several energy groups and associations, and recognized by Governors of eight different states across the country.
National Clean Energy Week was “conceived with the goal of advancing support of our nation’s energy sector through new methods of market development, policy change, and technological innovation,” according to their website. The weeklong event series represented a unique opportunity to engage elected officials on clean energy issues from a business perspective, allowing for broader participation in finding opportunities to create green jobs and advance our national energy portfolio.
”More Republicans [are] gravitating to the belief that reducing carbon emissions is something that we need to do.” Congressman Costello (PA-6)
NCEW kicked off their celebration with an address from former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire at the D.C. Google headquarters. Throughout the week, participants heard from Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Senators Lindsey Graham (SC), John Barasso (WY), and Chris Coons (DE), and Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Derek Kilmer (WA-6), Ryan Costello (PA-6), and Dave Reichert (WA-8). In addition to these elected officials, there was a strong showing from the business community, including green energy and tech incubators and trade associations.
In particular, Congressman Costello talked about his work with the Climate Solutions Caucus, noting that there are “more Republicans gravitating to the belief that reducing carbon emissions is something that we need to do, and you have more members of Congress realizing that this is an issue that they need to pay attention to.”
Rep. Costello hopes to innovate first, not regulate first, noting that “oftentimes the innovation that’s out there actually will accelerate beyond what the regulatory framework is in the first instance.” He added that “If we’re just trying to clear the field and allow innovation to lead, I think we’re in a much better position moving forward 10, 20, 30, 40, years from now so that we have abundant energy sources, most or all of which are carbon free.”
NCEW was organized in large part by CRES Forum and included a host of renewable energy trade associations. They were joined by nearly 45 other organizations who work to promote green energy production.
It is important to facilitate conversations between governmental officials, energy producers, and industry in order to allow for the U.S. to progress towards a cleaner, more independent energy portfolio. This is not a process that will happen overnight, but holding these conversations is an important step towards that goal.
Promoting clean energy helps FCNL work towards its prophetic vision of an earth restored. FCNL’s Legislative Policy Statement notes that “There is a growing need for research, development and deployment of science-based sustainable energy technologies.” In concordance with our faith and values, we endeavor to promote the transition to a clean energy economy by cultivating bipartisan support in Congress for policies that accelerate renewable energy sources.
FCNL was happy to witness a successful first iteration of National Clean Energy Week, and we hope it will provide a platform on which interested parties can build towards a cleaner, more independent future for energy.
