Red states lead clean energy growth powered by free market policy wins
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Here’s a fact that might surprise some people: The majority of clean power in the United States comes from red states.
Political stereotypes lead us to 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 gas.
As a former governor, I learned that the state should take a step back when it comes to energy. Politicians may produce hot air, but the market is best at producing energy. We must ensure that consumers have access to reliable energy options, whether that be gasoline, natural gas, or renewable sources like solar power.
Instead of the government picking winners and losers, elected leaders should ensure consumers have access to the energy options they prefer, no matter what they are.
HOUSE GOP MOVES TO CEMENT TRUMP ENERGY AGENDA BY PUTTING THE BALE INTO BIDEN ERA REGULATIONS
Sheep graze near solar panels in Haskell, Texas, December 2, 2024. (REUTERS/Annie Rice)
For example, some Americans choose to fill their cars with gasoline and rely on natural gas for heating. Others may choose to charge their electric vehicles at night and install solar panels on their roofs to increase energy consumption in their homes.
Americans want choice and are embracing a variety of energy sources to meet their needs. The Biden administration’s approach supporting government intervention has threatened innovations that lead to affordable energy solutions. Under the Trump administration, we championed the idea that competition encourages innovation while keeping prices low.
The Biden administration sees big government as the answer to everything, subsidizing energy alternatives and seeking to phase out some of our most efficient and affordable energy options.
BIDEN REMOVES COAL RESTRICTIONS, EPA SAYS ADVOCATES SAY WILL RESTORE AMERICAN DOMINANCE
The Trump administration, by contrast, understands that capitalism and the free market operate on a very basic but powerful idea: Competition keeps prices low and enables innovation.
From my experience as the former governor of Arizona, I know that states know their districts better than federal policymakers or bureaucrats. Some ideological members of Congress or DC regulators may assume they know best, but often they don’t. Sometimes the cheapest and most efficient energy sources for a particular state or region are not what everyone, even the people there, could expect.
Arizona has become a leader in affordable solar energy by taking advantage of its abundant sunshine. One report shows that nearly three-quarters of new installations are in states that supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, and that “red states are leading the way on solar energy.”
TRUMP RESTORES AMERICA’S ENERGY DOMINANCE BY PROVIDING A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION
Is renewable energy the optimal choice for every region of the country? No, but these are increasingly becoming more affordable and efficient options for many parts of it, like my home state of Arizona, which has very affordable solar energy due to the amount of sun it gets on a weekly basis.
The federal government should encourage states to explore, innovate and optimize their energy policies; It shouldn’t prevent this.
The Trump administration, by contrast, understands that capitalism and the free market operate on a very basic but powerful idea: Competition keeps prices low and enables innovation.
This doesn’t mean DC should sit back and do nothing when it comes to energy policy. It should always work to ensure the country’s energy security. That’s exactly what President Donald Trump has done under his leadership.
For example, in March, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed two important bills to protect our energy security. One of these, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, structures the Department of Energy’s leadership to ensure it can respond to disruptions in energy supply. The other, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Reauthorization Act, strengthens the Department of Energy’s ability to counter cybersecurity threats.
CLICK FOR OTHER OPINIONS OF FOX NEWS
That’s exactly what the government should do: guarantee America’s energy security. But threats arise in different ways, including in the arena of global competition. At this point, it is very important that the federal government allows the states to adopt the above-mentioned approaches to energy supply and make their own energy decisions at the local level.
Currently, China is moving forward at full speed in developing alternative energy sources. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the country is “going through one of the most ambitious energy transitions in history,” although it has not abandoned conventional energy. “Guided by targets to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the country is rapidly reshaping its energy system to accommodate the next generation of clean energy.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
China is aggressively developing its clean energy capabilities, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2060. We cannot afford to cede our technological superiority to our biggest economic rival.
It’s time for Democrats and Republicans to stop using energy as a political weapon. We need an all-of-the-above approach that empowers consumers and ensures reliable, affordable energy is compatible with free market principles. Let’s work together to ensure a prosperous energy future for all Americans.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DOUG DUCEY
