More and more, conservative voices are making the case that the U.S. can’t achieve energy dominance without solar power. Even the leading industry trade group is changing its strategy.

Earlier this year, ⁠Politico⁠ reported that the American Clean Power Association launched the “American Energy First” campaign to engage Kellyanne Conway and conservative influencers like Katie Miller “to amplify the benefits of solar energy” and “note the harm that could result from reckless trade policy.” Meanwhile, conservative groups at the state and federal level are advocating for building out solar power in service of private property rights, economic development and national security.

Episode Guests:

Kelsey Brugger, Congressional policy reporter, Politico 

Skyler Zunk, Executive Director, Energy Right; Executive Director, America First Energy 

Lillian Floutsis, Indiana Senior Field Representative, Indiana Land and Liberty, Conservative Energy Network 

This episode also features a reported piece from David Condos of KUER.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Intro

03:00 – Kelsey Brugger explains American Clean Power memo about reaching out to conservative influencers

06:30 – Does this indicate an ideological shift on the right?

09:40 – How much can this effort shift views within the administration

14:00 – Kelsey Brugger on what this story says about how the clean energy industry is positioning itself

19:00 – Skylar Zunk shares rationale behind his “Make Solar Great Again” hats

23:40 – How America First Energy frames solar energy

32:00 – How approach to solar energy conversation differ in D.C. and Louisiana

36:50 – KUER’s David Condos reports on Utah communities moving toward renewable energy

43:00 – Lillian Floutsis shares story from Allen County, Indiana, about local debate around setbacks for solar energy development

48:00 – Floutsis on framing solar conversations in Indiana around property rights, economic development and national security

53:00 – Climate is usually not a part of these conversations

54:20 – Floutsis share solar success stories

57:50 – Climate One More Thing

For show notes and related links, visit ⁠our episode page⁠ at climateone.org

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