In the States
KS: Governor Laura Kelly promoted the State of Kansas as a leader in wind energy after a recent reportfromtheU.S.DepartmentofEnergylistedKansasas oneofthetopproducers.Since2021, Kansas has added more than 1,000 milliwatts of land-based capacity and is one of three states in the nation to complete a large-scale wind distribution project in the last year. Within the state, the wind energy industry has drawn more than $15 billion dollars in investments. Governor Kelly noted that her administration “will continue supporting our [Kansas] businesses and our nation in meeting aggressive and imperative energy goals.” Kansas Governor touts Kansas as a wind energy leader in the US –KZRG
MI: Governor Gretchen Whitmer penned a letter to national energy officials asking for the reopening of the state’s Palisades nuclear power plant located in Covert, MI. Operations of the Palisades plant closed in Spring of 2022, and the sale of the plant was finalized in June, transferring ownership from Entergy to Holtec. To reopen, the U.S. Department of Energy will have to approve the funding of the reopening through the Civil Nuclear Credit Program. In her letter, Governor Whitmer said, “I am proud to write in support today of Holtec International’s application for a Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) that—if granted—will empower us to keep fighting for economic opportunity for Southwest Michigan and protect 1,700 local jobs.” Governor Whitmer expresses support in reopening Palisades Power Plant –Fox 17
OK: Speaking to over 100 western government officials, Governor Kevin Stitt commended his state’s states embrace of renewable energy and a greener future, framing his support in business terms. The Governor noted that Oklahoma has a robust inventory of roadside charging stations spread along interstates intended to serve thousands of electric vehicles. There are also plans underwaytoconstructanewhydrogenenergyhubthatwouldhelpmovethenationaway fromfossil fuels. “Most Republican governors would not tackle that [climate], but as a business person
... you're looking at where the investments are heading," Governor Stitt told The Oklahoman. Oklahoma’s adoption of renewable energy doesn’t mean the Governor doesn’t believe there’s a continued need for oil and gas to maintain a reliable energy grid. Governor Stitt was quoted on a recent podcast as saying, "We love our oil and gas industry.” For Stitt, climate change is less threat and more business opportunity –The Oklahoman
TX: In an announcement this week, Governor Greg Abbott said the state’s power grid is equipped to handle projected fall weather. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) released a new forecast for the months of October and November and said there should be ample supply of energy to support the weather predicted for that period. It is atypical for ERCOT to release forecasts for fall months, as historically temperatures are significantly milder than the rest of the year. In the statement, Governor Abbott said, “I thank ERCOT and PUC (Public Utility Commission) for their hard work to implement bipartisan reforms we passed last year and for their proactive leadership to ensure our grid is stronger than ever before.” Gov. Greg Abbott touts Texas power grid’s readiness heading into fall, election season –Texas Tribune
National
Republicans across the country are gaining momentum in their battle against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, ultimately framing their fight with Democrats on this issue as an effort to prevent them from interfering with the free market and harming the fossil fuel industry. West Virginia State Treasurer Riley Moore is one of the leaders of this loose coalition. InJuly,Mooreprohibitedfiveofthelargestfinancialinstitutionsinthecountry–includingGoldman Sachs and Blackrock– from receiving state contracts. The decision by Moore was made based on his belief that banks are involved in “boycotts of fossil fuel companies,” an accusation that both banks deny. The move to limit ESG investing has been picked up by other states; in the last two years, Republican lawmakers in 12 states have passed legislation aimed at limiting ESG investments. Former Vice President Mike Pence has also urged state lawmakers to push back on doing business with financial institutions that embrace the use of ESG investing factors.Republicans wage war on environmental investing rules –The Hill