Each year, CRES honors policy makers who have been stalwart leaders in proposing and reinforcing U.S. clean energy legislation as our Clean Energy Champions. Winners are announced during proceedings for National Clean Energy Week (NCEW). We have previously profiled each of this year’s Champions in more depth on the CRES blog.
From the Evergreen State, Congressman Dan Newhouse‘s legislative record shows his strong support for America’s future in clean energy. He supports many CRES-endorsed legislative initiatives, such as the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, the American Critical Mineral Independence Act, the Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, and the Save Our Sequoias Act. As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Congressman Newhouse plays a critical role in the advancement of energy and the environment issues for rural America.
“In Central Washington, we are not strangers to clean energy innovation, and I have worked hard in Congress to support efforts to strengthen and expand these technologies—both at home and across the country,” said Rep. Newhouse in a press release announcing his award. “In order to remain the global clean energy leader, we must enact policies that promote increased domestic production, ensure a stable and reliable supply of critical minerals, reduce regulatory barriers for producers, and allow states and local communities to continue leading the way.”
A third-generation Yakima Valley farmer, Congressman Newhouse brings a deep understanding of real-world economics and land stewardship to Congress.
“We are home to our state’s largest wind and solar farms, emerging hydrogen technologies, the Pacific Northwest’s only nuclear power plant, and our nation’s first clean energy resource: a powerful system of hydropower dams,” Congressman Newhouse writes. “These dams are the lifeblood of our region, generating clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable power for our communities, our state, and our neighbors.”
The Grand Coulee Dam on Washington’s Columbia River is the nation’s largest power plant by generation capacity, and the Washington dam is still one of the largest hydropower plants in the world. Rep. Newhouse knows that our national transition to clean energy requires investment and innovation in new energy technology, particularly when it comes to hydropower.
