Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, alongside co-host Conservatives for Clean Energy hosted the 8th annual North Carolina Clean Energy Champions event in Greensboro, North Carolina; a hub for recent clean energy investments and developments. The event is a time where chamber and economic development leaders, as well as legislators and businesses are awarded for their leadership in advancing the clean energy economy in NC.
“Their advocacy, investments, and policy development have turned North Carolina into a clean energy economic powerhouse and a national hub for clean energy innovation and manufacturing,” Ryan Evans, executive director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
North Carolina has been no stranger to the economic impacts clean energy can have on communities across the state. Whether it be offshore wind, solar, or electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. The state continues to benefit from the growing industry and can continue to forge a path for a clean energy future.
2022 Clean Energy Champion award winners:
U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-7th District)
For working consistently in a bipartisan way with Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress to repeal a 10-year moratorium on offshore wind projects and to promote other clean energy initiatives.
State Rep. Ed Goodwin (R-Chowan)
For sponsoring legislation that would direct the N.C. Utilities Commission to study reforms to deliver far greater market competition, customer choice, and ratepayer savings to North Carolinians than the current monopoly-controlled structure allows. Goodwin also has supported solar projects and a wind farm in his district, where they produce much-needed property tax revenue.
State Rep. Harry Warren (R-Rowan)
For sponsoring important legislation expanding solar panel freedom in homeowner association neighborhoods and promoting electric vehicles.
State Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow)
For sponsoring legislation to allow commercial property-assessed clean energy, a financing method that allows borrowed capital to pay the upfront costs associated with energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements, repaid over time via a voluntary tax assessment.
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
For playing a central role while working with the Governor’s Office, state lawmakers, local government, utilities, colleges, and many other partners to create an extensive siting and incentive package development that attracted Toyota Motor Corp. of America to the Greensboro-Randolph megasite, Toyota plans to invest more than $3.8 billion to build its first electric vehicle and hybrid battery facility, creating up to 2,100 jobs.
Carteret County Economic Development Department
For demonstrating dynamic leadership in one of the most exciting clean energy opportunities for the state: offshore wind. Carteret County and North Carolina are well-positioned to welcome billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs in the offshore wind industry.
New Belgium Brewing
For generating solar power at its Asheville brewery, for committing to carbon-neutrality by 2030, and for supporting robust state clean energy policies, including more electric vehicles and charging stations.
Siemens
For promoting clean energy policies, for its strong clean energy goals, and for employing thousands of North Carolinians in technology jobs.
Clean Energy Rising Star award winner:
Rep. Matthew Winslow (R-Wake)
Rep. Winslow, a homebuilder and former economic developer who was just elected to a second term in the N.C. House, for creating resilient neighborhoods that feature a micro-grid and homes that are pre-wired for rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging in their garages.
Lifetime Achievement award winner:
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R)
For his almost three decades of public service in Congress, including his having played a vital role in developing last year’s Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, a much-needed, bipartisan federal law.
“I hope our award winners’ success stories will inspire all of you,” Fleming, the CEO of Conservatives for Clean Energy, said in concluding the event. “Who knows –you might be one of our 2023 Clean Energy Champions!”
