WASHINGTON, March 16, 2021 — Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) today announced that Dave Banks, former chief Republican strategist of policy and communications for the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, has been awarded the first CRES Forum Policy Fellowship and longtime political campaign manager Matthew Del Carlo has been hired as chief of staff.
“We are seeing incredible energy from conservative policymakers engaging on environmental issues, and Republicans are advancing pro-growth climate change policies like never before. The CRES Forum Policy Fellowship allows us to tap into this new well of conservative climate policy expertise to help educate the public about opportunities to mitigate climate change while staying true to fundamental principles of conservative governance,” said Heather Reams, Executive Director of CRES.
Fellows admitted to the CRES Forum Policy Fellowship have demonstrated expertise in public policy, climate science, and strategic communications for conservative issues. As the inaugural CRES Forum Policy Fellow, Banks will advise the organization on federal policy, communications, and external stakeholder relationships. Prior to his role with the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Banks served both the Trump and W. Bush administrations, the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, and other climate and energy related consulting roles.
As the first chief of staff for CRES, Del Carlo will support the strategic vision and organization of CRES and its leadership team. Most recently, Del Carlo was the principal of the Del Carlo Group, providing management consulting and advisory services to political advocacy organizations and campaigns. He previously served as chief of staff to California Republican Assemblyman Guy Houston (California AD-15) and ran his successful reelection campaign. Over the course of his career, Del Carlo has established strategic businesses partnerships throughout California and nationwide.
“We couldn’t ask for a better inaugural CRES Forum Policy Fellow than Dave Banks,” said Reams. “Dave has spent decades working with Republicans on commonsense, climate policy in the public and private sectors. His expertise will be invaluable to CRES as we push for meaningful and durable approaches to clean energy that are deeply rooted in conservative principles.”
“I am also thrilled that Matthew has joined CRES as our first chief of staff,” Reams added. “CRES has grown exponentially over the past year and Matthew’s political and public affairs background will be an incredible asset to helping us continue our work as a trusted ally for conservatives on climate issues even as we deepen our policy expertise through programs like the Fellowship.”
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Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) engages Republican policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge. For more information, visit www.citizensfor.com.