Conservatives for Clean Energy Georgia Mission Statement
“Our Mission is to improve the lives of Georgians through more cost effective and cleaner energy. To promote free markets, more competition and a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources to enhance our quality of life and to provide for our security.”
The Solar Boom in Georgia
Clean and renewable energy has become part a vital part of Georgia’s economy and future. Georgia is top ten for solar production with more on the way. The Georgia Public Service Commission started a push for solar over ten years ago and it has been done the conservative way, free market driven and reducing regulations that strangle the industry. Back then, Chairman Bubba McDonald and incoming Commissioner Tim Echols teamed up to lay the groundwork for what was to be the birth of solar in Georgia. See Conservatives for Clean Energy Georgia (CCEGA) interviews with Executive Director Theresa Garcia Robertson and Commissioners McDonald and Echols below as they describe in their own words how it all happened.
National Clean Energy Week in Georgia
National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) has become a big deal in the Peach State. Governor Brian Kemp signed a proclamation honoring NCEW in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Governor Kemp and and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp graciously did a video welcome for NCEW 2020 & 2021 as well. Please see the below NCEW interview with Conservatives for Clean Energy CEO Mark Fleming and Congressman Buddy Carter. Carter discusses the history of conservation and climate change.
Clean Energy Is Good For Georgia's Economy
Clean and renewable energy has provided jobs and economic development throughout Georgia. Our abundance of sunshine and large tracts of rural land make Georgia the perfect solar destination. According to the U.S Department of Labor, solar and wind installers were the fastest growing occupations in the nation in 2019. Solar is also the largest commercial taxpayer in some counties helping to provide infrastructure, police stations, and firetrucks in addition to clean and efficient energy. When it comes to attracting investment, Walmart, Google, Facebook, and other corporations are demanding solar power in order to move their operations here. That translates to thousands of jobs for Georgians. The largest operational solar PV plant in the Southeastern United States is located in Twiggs County, Georgia. Please see the below interview with Georgia Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson as he discusses the impact of solar on Georgia’s economy.
Electric Vehicles, Solar Highways & The Ray
Georgia is so fortunate to have The Ray sponsored by the Ray Anderson Foundation. As the pioneering founder of carpet company Interface, Ray C. Anderson is a globally-recognized environmental leader who ushered sustainability into the business mainstream. Led by Executive Direcor Allie Kelly, The Ray has the nation’s only solar highway in West Point, Georgia. The Ray has also been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement in Georgia. The innovation and research from The Ray’s projects will help to reimagine the future of America’s highways.
Clean Energy is Good for Our Communities and Cities
Clean energy is good for Georgia’s local communities and cities. Solar farms have given economic stability and clean energy to many counties in rural Georgia. Emory University has gone solar as well as a school in Smyrna, Georgia. Four Georgia cities have committed to going 100$ solar by 2040 or sooner, Atlanta, Savannah, Clarkston and Athens. There are solar farms in well over 50 counties that create jobs, clean energy with no coal ash clean-up, little to no noise, and home grown Georgia energy! See Theresa Garcia Robertson discus Senate Bill 95, extending solar contract for cites, in her interview with Senator Randy Robertson Also, another CCEGA video production, “Solar for Georgia’s Communities!”
Leadership
Steve Butler | Senior Advisor
Steve Butler has established himself as a key player in both legislative and electoral politics in Georgia. Butler has demonstrated the ability to produce results in several capacities, including External Affairs Specialist for Georgia Department of Education, Government Affairs Director for Grady Memorial Hospital, Southeastern Director of Government Affairs for DaVita and Chief of Staff for the Chairman of Fulton County. Since 2004 he has served as president of Connect Public Relations (CPR). CPR is a full-service public relations firm in the areas of government affairs, public affairs, media consulting and policy development. CPR has extensive experience in advocating for energy. Butler started the Georgia Energy Forum in 2008 and has been intimately involved in the energy space ever since.
Butler also writes, produces, and directs all CCEGA video interviews, promo clips, and public service announcements.
Tyler Adams | State Director
Tyler Adams is a veteran of two Republican administrations, Governor Nathan Deal and Governor Brian Kemp. In his most recent position, Adams served as Policy Advisor for Governor Kemp. In this capacity, Adams played a key leadership role in legislative issues regarding transportation, economic development, broadband, energy, regulated industries and natural resources. Adams also worked with both governors in the allocation of federal dollars issued to Georgia for various purposes.
Adams started his career in former House Rules Chairman John Meadows’ office before working with a lobbying firm for three years. He holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Georgia College and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgia State. Adams grew up in Monroe, Georgia. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout.