By Katie Todd

Yesterday, Conservatives for Clean Energy reminded us that there is at least one issue where the vast majority of North Carolina voters, regardless of political affiliation, still agree: elected officials should continue to invest in clean, renewable energy.

Are your ears burning, decision-makers? They should be. Bipartisan support of clean energy has been on the books for some time, and only recently has this once non-contentious issue become such an ideological sticking point.

You can find the full polling results here. We’re going to offer our “Big Four” takeaways:

Legislators need to remember who they represent. Question after question, poll respondents indicated broad support for policies promoting energy-efficiency upgrades (87.6%), increasing renewable energy opportunities (74.8%), and expanding access to third-party finance options (72%). These are the very same policies certain legislators (see right) have fervently promised to eliminate. The disconnect is real, y’all. Time for a little Schoolhouse Rock primer? In all seriousness, accountability is a part of being an elected official. And you are accountable to the people you represent. There’s no way to sugar coat this principle of American democracy.

Profits + the lack of competition are killing us, smalls*. We’re the first to admit that we aren’t the biggest fan of utility giants. And, it’s clear that voters aren’t either. It’s not a blame game of the utility per-say but of the broader system at play. The demand to churn out profits, which often is at the detriment of our natural resources and public health, coupled with our state’s highly-regulated, monopoly-driven electricity market, frustrate North Carolina voters. As we think about an energy future that gives greater agency and access back to consumers (i.e. choice), we will need to re-imagine not only how we get our energy but the very structure for it to exist.

Tax credits make a difference. Allowing the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (REITC) to expire last year made zero sense. The REITC had been a positive economic driver for North Carolina’s small business sector while offering the additional benefits of cutting the harmful impacts of fossil fuels. It helped to create new jobs, clean our air, and allow innovation to be part of our state motto. So, it’s not surprising that over 2/3 of voters surveyed support bringing this tax credit back. Even better, this support is spread among urban, suburban, and rural areas. It’s not the Hollywood elite phoning in a favor.

Voters need to align their actions with their values. It is encouraging to see voters willing to back candidates who stand behind solar and wind energy and oppose those who promote fracking. As November nears, it’s critically important for voters to ensure their desired candidates take a clear, definitive position on North Carolina energy issues. And if their candidates don’t, or their candidates’ viewpoints on energy don’t gel with their own, then voters need to be willing to hold that elected official accountable (i.e. find someone else to vote for).

Props to the folks over at CCE for continuing to demonstrate that North Carolina voters are giving a substantial “thumbs up” to a North Carolina future built on renewable energy and energy-efficiency. And, as the voters have cited, the chief architects need to be leaders who will work to put policies in place that make it happen.

*Pop culture reference from the classic movie “The Sandlot.” See clip here.