“From Raleigh to Washington, D.C., conservative leaders are helping to strengthen North Carolina’s future by supporting smart, pro-growth clean energy policies that create jobs and spur economic development in communities across the state,” wrote Jason J. Deans, former chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10). “Our congressional delegation — particularly Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd — should keep working with their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure continued growth in the clean energy economy here in North Carolina and across the country,” the Campbell University graduate added in an opinion piece recently published in The Wilson Times.
Photo Courtesy Patrick McHenry
Deans highlighted the significant impact that clean energy has had on North Carolina. The Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy reported that clean energy projects accounted for one-quarter of all the economic development initiatives in the state in 2024. Last year alone, these projects brought $19 billion in investment into the state and created 11,850 jobs. “To date, North Carolina’s clean energy economy supports nearly 110,000 jobs, making the Tar Heel State ninth in the nation for clean energy jobs,” Deans noted.
The report provided examples of some of the projects that were advancing as of last year, “thanks in large part to the support of North Carolina lawmakers,” Deans commented. For example, Pine Gate Renewables raised $650 million to expand its solar and energy storage infrastructure in Asheville. Boom Supersonic invested $500 million to build a supersonic airliner manufacturing and assembly facility in Greensboro, which is estimated to generate 1,750 new jobs by the end of the decade. Durham recently became the headquarters for two electric vehicle charging companies. Kempower invested $41 million into its North American headquarters, with plans to hire more than 500 people, and IONNA invested $10 million into its global headquarters, hiring 203 people in Durham County. “These investments are critical if North Carolina is going to remain a national leader in clean energy and reap the economic and employment benefits that come with that distinction,” Deans explained.
“On top of that, a robust clean energy economy is also helping support local communities, particularly in rural parts of the state,” the Nash County native and Raleigh resident elaborated. As of this year, according to the American Clean Power Association, these projects annually generate $44 million in property, state, and local tax revenues, as well as $59.7 million in lease payments to farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners.
Photo Courtesy Boom Supersonic
As a result, North Carolina has emerged as a leader in clean energy. As of 2023, the U.S. Energy Information Administration ranked the state fourth in solar generating capacity, fifth in solar power generation, and in the top five states for electricity produced from nuclear power. Deans summarized, “Thanks to bipartisan support for clean energy, our state has become the ‘epicenter of the clean energy economy.’ Not only is this helping us reduce emissions, it’s also strengthening local economies and improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians.”
Unfortunately, many of these benefits, as well as the state’s leadership in the sector, are at risk as the Senate works on its version of the budget and tax bill. As of May, according to the E2 and the Clean Economy Tracker, factory and project cancellations nationally have totalled $15.5 billion since January, equating to nearly 12,000 lost jobs due to uncertainty regarding the clean energy economy. More than $9 billion and 10,000 jobs had been set for Republican districts.
“Given the critical role clean energy already plays for both our economy and environment, continuing to invest in and grow our clean energy capabilities just makes sense. By doing so, we can help advance clean energy technologies like solar, offshore wind, and zero-emissions nuclear power that will help make energy more affordable and reliable while creating much-needed jobs and spurring economic growth in North Carolina communities,” Deans concluded. “North Carolina lawmakers in Washington should continue to support common-sense clean energy policies that will help us build on the progress we’ve made as a state to secure a cleaner, more reliable, and more sustainable energy future.”
