Red states are leading clean energy growth powered by free market policy wins

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Here’s a fact that may surprise some people – in the United States, most of the clean energy comes from red states.
Political ideology would have us believe that blue states are responsible for most renewable energy. But red states — led by leaders who believe in capitalism and the free market — understand that investing in solar, wind and battery storage is as smart as supporting oil and natural gas.
As a former governor, I learned that when it comes to power, the government should step back. Politicians may generate hot air, but the market is at the forefront of generating energy. We must ensure that consumers have access to reliable energy options – whether it’s gasoline, natural gas, or renewable sources like solar.
Instead of the government picking winners and losers, elected leaders should ensure that consumers get to choose the power they want, no matter what.
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Sheep graze near solar panels in Haskell, Texas, December 2, 2024. (REUTERS/Annie Rice)
For example, some Americans choose to fill their cars with gas and rely on gas to keep warm. Some may choose to plug in their electric vehicles at night and install solar panels on their roofs to power their homes.
Americans want choice and are embracing a mix of energy sources to meet their needs. The Biden administration’s approach, which favors government intervention, has threatened the very innovations that lead to cost-effective energy solutions. Under the Trump administration, we championed the idea that competition spurs innovation while keeping prices low.
The Biden administration saw big government as the answer to everything, subsidizing energy alternatives and trying to eliminate some of our most efficient and cost-effective energy options.
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The Trump administration, in contrast, understands that capitalism and the free market operate on a very basic but effective idea – competition enables innovation while keeping prices low.
As a former governor of Arizona, I know from experience that individual states do not know their environment better than decision makers or federal officials. Certain members of Congress or DC may think they know better, but they often don’t. Sometimes, the cheapest and most efficient energy sources for one region or area are not what anyone would expect – even the humblest.
Arizona has become a leader in affordable solar energy, taking advantage of our abundant sunshine. Another report shows that “red states are leading the way in sunlight,” with nearly three-quarters of new filings occurring in states that support President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
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Are renewables the right choice for all areas of the country? No, but they are becoming more and more affordable and efficient options in many parts of it, like my home state of Arizona, which gets very affordable solar energy because of how much sun it gets every week.
The federal government should encourage states to explore, develop and develop their own energy policies; it should not get in the way.
The Trump administration, in contrast, understands that capitalism and the free market operate on a very basic but effective idea – competition enables innovation while keeping prices low.
That doesn’t mean DC should sit idly by when it comes to energy policy. It should always work to ensure the security of electricity in the country. That is exactly what it is doing under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
For example, in March, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed two important bills designed to protect our energy security. First, the Emergency Management Act, organizes the leadership of the Ministry of Energy to ensure that it can deal with interruptions in electricity supply. Another, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Reauthorization Act, strengthens the Department of Energy’s ability to address cybersecurity threats.
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This is what the government should be doing: ensuring America’s energy security. But threats come in many forms, including the global competitive arena. And that’s where it’s so important for the federal government to allow the states to take a more hands-off approach and allow them to make their own energy decisions at the local level.
Currently, China is moving forward in developing alternative energy sources. While not abandoning human power, the country is “facing the biggest energy transition in history,” according to a report by the World Economic Forum. “Guided by its goals of decarbonisation before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the country is rapidly restructuring its energy system to meet the new generation of clean energy.”
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China is aggressively developing its clean energy, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2060. We cannot afford to give up our technological edge to our biggest economic rival.
It is time for Democrats and Republicans to stop using power as a political weapon. We need an above-board approach that empowers consumers and ensures reliable, affordable energy consistent with free market principles. Let’s work together to secure a prosperous energy future for all Americans.
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