“You don’t have to talk about climate change in order to reap the economic benefits of renewable energy. Nevada is an untapped resource. We can use solar, wind and geothermal energy to drive money and jobs to the state.”
– Jared Fisher
A lot of information was covered during the National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas last week. One of the recurrent themes of the event and perhaps the biggest takeaway was that renewable energy isn’t a partisan issue. Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between are embracing the benefits of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.
We heard that refrain from several of the event’s speakers, including Vice President Al Gore, Energy Innovation CEO Hal Harvey, Ret. Lt. General Richard Zilmer, Republican mayor of Carmel, Indiana, Jim Brainard, Republican mayor of Georgetown, Texas, Dale Ross, Republican governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker, Democratic mayor of Phoenix Greg Stanton, Democratic governor of Hawaii David Ige and Nevada’s own Governor Brian Sandoval.
Did you know that 87% of conservative Millenials support #RenewableEnergy? We learned that and more yesterday when we had the pleasure of meeting Roberta and Michele Combs & others from @ccoalition and @YC4ER. pic.twitter.com/bMRT5xLglx
— Fisher for Nevada (@fisherfornevada) October 14, 2017
73 percent of Trump voters say US should use more #renewables, says @EnergyInnovLLC CEO @hal_harvey at #NCES #RenewableEnergy pic.twitter.com/RaeXphVH1g
— Fisher for Nevada (@fisherfornevada) October 13, 2017
When you get down to the local level, it doesn’t matter what party they’re from, people want clean water and clean air for their children, says Republican mayor @jimbrainard #NCES #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/VLaE8rzJjS
— Fisher for Nevada (@fisherfornevada) October 13, 2017
One great takeaway from the National Clean Energy Summit has been seeing Republicans & Democrats come together in support of a future that includes clean & renewable energy. Happy to see governors @GovSandoval @CharlieBakerMA @GovHawaii Leading “the charge” on #Solar #NCES pic.twitter.com/pSw1pjAAgi
— Fisher for Nevada (@fisherfornevada) October 13, 2017
Why Governors and Mayors Across the Country are Supporting Clean Energy:
While climate change may still divide political parties and their politicians, recent research suggests that on the subject of renewable energy, government leaders and American citizens have formed a rare consensus. Governors, majors and senators from both major political parties have come out in support of finding ways to utilize more clean energy sources, such as solar and wind energy.
The following are a few possible reasons why.
The public supports it—Government leaders support what their constituents support and Pew Research polling shows that 89% of Americans are in favor of creating more solar power farms. This holds true across party lines. 83% of Republicans support an investment in renewable energy, as do 97% of Democrats. (Source).
Clean energy creates jobs—Not only do clean energy plants create manufacturing jobs, but they also attract big businesses who want to relocate to cities and states where they can utilize renewable power.
An investment in renewables is an investment in national security—By limiting the use of fossil fuels on the battlefield and relying instead on solar as an energy source, the military can cut down on the number of refueling trips it has to make. This can help save lives because, as General Richard Zilmer explained, refueling trucks often become easy targets for combatants. “We think this is the most important issue facing our national security,” he commented.
Solar will help ensure the US remains a world Super Power—In a presentation General Richard Zilmer gave in Las Vegas with the Young Conservatives for Energy Reform, General Zilmer repeatedly hammered home the message that the US needs to embrace renewables if it is to remain economically competitive on the world stage. China, Russia and countries in Europe are already looking to the future and investing in alternative energy sources, claims General Zilmer. “China out invests us two to one in the renewable energy industries,” he told the crowd of energy advocates who’d gathered for a luncheon. “That chasm grows each year. We’re falling further and further behind.”
General Zilmer worries that if the US fails to assert itself as a leader in energy production, other countries will step in to fill the void instead. In fact, there are signs that it is already happening. As General Zilmer pointed out, “the Chinese have a plan to be the energy masters of this globe.” Partnerships and allegiances are being formed right now that will determine who controls the planet’s energy resources and, according to General Zilmer, America isn’t at the bargaining table. “We’re looking at the trend lines and right now the US is playing catch up. If we don’t resolve this, 30 years from now we’re going to be holding onto the tail of the tiger.”
Red or Blue, Nevada Can Lead the Way
What makes General Zilmer such a powerful spokesperson for the clean energy movement is that he’s also a seemingly unlikely one. As he indicated in his speech at the Young Conservatives for Energy Reform luncheon, he isn’t a “greenie.” His fight for renewables is about preserving America’s economic and national security. It’s also about protecting the armed forces. The General wants US Forces to be “fast and agile”, which he worries will become impossible “if the troops are running out of gas on the way to way to the battlefield.”
Candidate for Governor of Nevada Jared Fisher sees the way General Zilmer has successfully shifted the conversation about clean energy as a positive sign for the future of the renewables industry in Nevada. As more conservatives find unique ways to present their case for renewables, the public will begin to see that the reasons for embracing solar and wind energy sources extend far beyond the desire to protect the environment.
“You don’t have to talk about climate change in order to reap the economic benefits of renewable energy,” Fisher told a group of high school students who were attending the Energy Summit. “Nevada is an untapped resource. We can use solar, wind and geothermal energy to drive money and jobs to the state.”
On this, General Zilmer would appear to agree, saying: “This state is sitting on a treasure trove of energy resources.”
The last 24 hours in #Nevada and the renewable energy initiatives I’ve seen have inspired us. My hats off to the state of Nevada, says General Richard Zilmer at #NCES #CleanEnergy pic.twitter.com/AvW0avH4ER
— Fisher for Nevada (@fisherfornevada) October 13, 2017
About Fisher for Nevada: Fisher for Nevada is the campaign website of Jared Fisher, 2018 candidate in the Nevada governor election. Jared Fisher is running on a platform for positive, productive leadership for a Healthy Nevada. This includes an emphasis on a diversified economy, a strong education system and clean, renewable energy.
