U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina chambers of commerce, economic development executives, and industry leaders recently gathered for a dialogue on what’s at stake for the state’s electrification industry via a webinar hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Conservatives for Clean Energy. With other countries looking to corner this market, the message was loud and clear, North Carolina has the opportunity to lead nationally, and globally, in the innovation of electrification transportation, especially in the medium-heavy duty space, delivering new jobs and economic investment.
During the event, Senator Tillis shared his support of clean energy development opportunities in the state including electric vehicle innovation as it pertained, primarily, to medium to heavy duty EVs, as well as his support of a robust, bipartisan infrastructure package. “It is exciting to see the progress we’re making in the area of renewable energy, and to see the opportunities that we have in the United States to be an innovator and a leader particularly when talking about medium to heavy duty electric vehicles,” said Senator Tillis. His recent bipartisan leadership and support of the infrastructure bill helped propel its passage by the Senate. If passed by the House, the bill will provide millions of dollars in investments for roads, highways, EV infrastructure, climate resilience, and more.
Three leading North Carolina chamber and economic development executives all shared their support of the growing opportunity to lead in EV innovation and the economic growth impact of clean energy.
- “Transitioning to a cleaner and more resilient energy system is good for customers, businesses and the state of North Carolina,” said Joe Bost, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
- “Clean tech and energy innovation in power, automotive and aerospace sectors continue to drive real and sustained growth in the workforce, wages and GDP of the Asheville region,” shared Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
- “Cary Chamber has been committed for six decades to support and attract world-class, innovative companies and its partners that are leading innovation in developing cleaner and more efficient forms of technology,” stated Mark Lawson, President and CEO, Cary Chamber of Commerce.
Industry leaders Trane Technologies, Eaton and Hitachi ABB Power Grids touched more on the growth, feasibility and benefits of the electrification of transportation in North Carolina. “Collaboration of legislative leaders and the business community becomes a vital key in the global competition towards electrification that will power a more sustainable future. These issues of sustainability, emissions reduction and efficiency are not partisan issues at Eaton,” said Christopher Hess, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs, Eaton.
Susan Munroe, Deputy Director with CICE pointed out during the webinar that North Carolina can and should lead in this space sharing, “It really is about attracting the best and brightest to the state, setting a path for job creation, manufacturing, and support of the technology to get us there. It will require robust state and national infrastructure policy as well as private sector leadership.”
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