WASHINGTON — Today, RealClearEnergy published an op-ed by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) President Heather Reams celebrating the election of Republican climate champions who are committed to commonsense, all-of-the-above energy policies to reduce global emissions.
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Last week’s election was filled with success for Republicans, but it was an especially great outcome for the future of clean energy. Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) endorsed a slate of 40 clean energy champions ahead of the election, with almost every candidate winning their race—most notably Conservative Climate Caucus Chair Emeritus, Senator-elect John Curtis (R-Utah). His steadfast leadership in the conservative climate movement makes him a standout choice to represent the Beehive State and presents a promising opportunity for Utah, the country and our nation’s energy and climate policies.
Rep. Curtis quickly emerged as a clean energy leader during his time in the U.S. House, founding the Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC) in 2021. In just three short years, the CCC grew significantly, now with more than 80 Republican Members of Congress spearheading clean energy initiatives and engaging with Republicans across the country.
Policies championed by the Caucus are based on conservative principles and aim to reduce global emissions by prioritizing American interests: lowering energy costs for American families and businesses, bolstering domestic supply chains, advancing innovation to increase American manufacturing and competitiveness while capitalizing on U.S.-produced energy to increase our geopolitical influence.
As he transitions to his new role, Senator-elect Curtis will serve as the leading voice among Republicans in the Senate on clean energy issues—championing an all-of-the-above energy approach and carrying CCC priorities to the upper chamber. Fortunately, Utah boasts large reserves of natural gas, as well as a booming clean energy sector supporting technologies for increased geothermal, hydrogen, advanced nuclear, and carbon capture and storage facilities. This abundance of energy resources and investments in Utah naturally positioned Senator-elect Curtis as a clean energy leader.
Beyond the Senate, CRES supported 37 Republican House Members who prioritize commonsense energy solutions that simultaneously reduce global emissions and create new opportunities for Americans across the country. These proven leaders have consistently shown a commitment to addressing climate change through American innovation, clean energy advancement and thoughtful policy discussions.
As we look toward 2025 and the new Congress, I’m extremely optimistic about the future of clean energy—more optimistic than I’ve been at any other point in my eight years at CRES.
Just before the election, polling from CRES revealed one issue the majority of voters are certain about: Americans want to reduce carbon emissions, but not energy choices. The national survey of likely voters’ attitudes toward climate change and clean energy found that an overwhelming 73% of Americans believe we must act to combat climate change, and a supermajority—82%—of Americans support lowering transportation emissions while preserving consumer choice.
And Republicans are now leading on these issues.
Republicans understand that building out the clean energy industry creates long-term opportunities for their districts, with substantial economic growth and good paying jobs at all levels of experience. By championing innovative technologies like nuclear, geothermal and hydropower, Republican members are paving the way for their districts to have increased economic development and energy abundance.
But new innovation requires new investment—another issue Republicans are leading on. Just this summer, Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) led a letter with 17 other House Republicans in support of clean energy tax credits, which are spurring new investments and creating new economic and employment opportunities. Protecting the incentives that are creating new investment is critical to maintain market certainty, which encourages even more investment.
Many of these new clean energy projects, however, are at risk without meaningful federal permitting reform. Earlier this year, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced legislation to dismantle hurdles in our permitting process that stall projects resulting in lost revenue and major energy project delays.
The list of clean energy priorities being championed by CRES-endorsed members goes on, and their continued service in Congress is certain to further the progress we’ve made in lowering global emissions through pragmatic, conservative policies. I am confident our list of Republican clean energy leaders will grow in the new Congress, and I am excited to partner on commonsense policies. Together, we can reduce global carbon emissions without reducing domestic energy choices—unleashing American-made solutions.
Heather Reams is the president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES).
Read the full op-ed here.