714: The Republican Case for Clean Energy: Insights from Georgia Public Service Commissioner, Tim Echols

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA? Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth. Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, discusses Georgia’s journey to becoming the 7th largest state for utility-scale solar (with 6GW!) and how they are gearing up to meet the increasing energy demands of expanding data centers. GA is expected to be a clean energy stronghold for years to come…what’s behind that growth and sustained interest?Expect to learn:How Georgia structured its solar policies to make financial sense for constituentsThe future of the IRA if Trump is electedEchols’s perspective on nuclear energy's role in meeting future power demandsThe outlook for EV adoption following pandemic slow-down and factory build-out delays from Rivian (and others)Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Georgia’s true clean energy champions (who just happens to be a Republican!)If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2