WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2020) – Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Forum and the Conservative Energy Network (CEN) announced that starting on Monday, July 20, more than 90 business leaders, farmers, state officials and others from around the country will participate in a three-day series of more than 70 meetings with conservative leaders in Congress to advocate for greater investment in clean energy.
The “fly-in” – being held virtually this year – will stress to conservative lawmakers the economic benefits of the clean energy sector at a time when the country needs an economic boost and Americans need jobs. They will also contrast their support for the expansion of clean energy with their opposition to unrealistic and costly proposals from the left such as the Green New Deal.
“Conservatives recognize the value of clean energy to the economy, national security and public health, and as part of an all-of-the-above energy mix. They want their leaders in Congress to champion commonsense policies that will expand this burgeoning sector and reject massive government-managed programs supported by extreme environmental organizations,” said Heather Reams, executive director of CRES Forum.
The meetings come on the heels of recent polling issued by CRES and The Western Way (TWW) that found two-thirds (67 percent) of Republican and Republican-leaning voters agree investments in clean energy are important to our nation’s effort to rebuild the economy after the coronavirus shutdown. Additionally, three-quarters of respondents support federal action to accelerate the development and use of clean energy in the United States. Since the introduction of the Green New Deal last year, Republicans have staunchly opposed the politically unviable proposal.
“Our CEN teams are eager to meet with federal policymakers to express their strong support of public policies that encourage responsible renewable energy solutions rooted in private sector innovation, entrepreneurship, and free-market growth—as opposed to government interventions and mandates,” said Mark Pischea, CEO and president of CEN.
This is the second annual fly-in co-hosted by CRES Forum and CEN. The fly-in begins Monday, July 20 with participants from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida meeting with congressional officials. On Tuesday, July 21, advocates from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa will participate in meetings, and on
Wednesday, July 22, meetings will conclude with participants from Texas as well as TWW teams in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.
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Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that educates the public and influences the national conversation around responsible clean energy solutions that are actionable, market-friendly, and responsible.
The Conservative Energy Network (CEN): Formed in 2016, CEN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of 21 state-based conservative clean energy organizations. CEN works closely with its state teams and allies to depoliticize energy issues by offering conservative, free market-oriented policy solutions that create jobs, spark innovation, conserve our natural resources, protect ratepayers, secure market access for new technologies, and increase our grid and national security. CEN supports and promotes the work performed by its state teams to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of a clean energy transition. Learn more at www.conservativeenergynetwork.org