The Only Green That Matters is the Green in Your Pocket: Advocating for Renewable Energy in Red States

Abstract

Addressing the threat of climate change will require a large-scale transition from fossil fuel-generated power to renewable energy. However, climate change has been politicized in the United States to such an extent that many states’ lawmakers resist embracing wind and solar power for the simple reason that it is favored by liberals. Fortunately, there are now economic as well as environmental reasons why republican lawmakers should encourage solar and wind sectors in their states. This Note looks at how two traditionally “red” states—Texas and Arizona—have engaged with renewable energy. As this Note shows, Texas embraced wind power because it created jobs, improved reliability and lowered residents’ energy bills. In Arizona, despite the size of the solar industry in the state, solar power remains controversial, in large part because most of the power is exported to California, giving little direct benefit to ordinary Arizonans. The Note concludes by arguing that renewable energy advocates should focus on the economic good that the industry can do in states that are traditionally skeptical of climate change.