04/18/2025
Just wrapped up an inspiring few days at the African American Mayors Association’s conference. I’m leaving energized by the deep commitment mayors have to building healthier, safer and more prosperous futures for their communities. Yes, these are uncertain economic times — but, as I shared at the conference, clean energy continues to be a powerful engine of stability and opportunity. This is especially true in the communities that have too often been left behind.
In fact, over the past two years, more than two-thirds of new clean energy investments spurred by federal tax credits have gone to communities of color and rural areas. That translates to good-paying manufacturing jobs — building solar panels, EVs, batteries and more — and critical funding for schools, roads and essential local services.
Look at how multi-million dollar solar panel manufacturing investments are unlocking opportunities in a place like Waller County, Texas, home to the state’s largest HBCU. Or, how a $13 billion-dollar EV battery manufacturing facility is bringing thousands of jobs to the small, rural town of Liberty, North Carolina.
This is what progress looks like.
In this new op-ed, I wrote about why it’s in ALL of our leaders’ interest to champion clean energy jobs — rather than putting them at risk.
Despite the damage that’s been done, Congress can still do what’s right: protect clean energy jobs that are essential to our future.
