Clean energy groups name six North Carolina champions for 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. - Nov. 16, 2023 - PRLog -- North Carolina's 2023 Clean Energy Champions include a state legislator, a member of Congress, two economic development organizations, and two North Carolina businesses.

State Rep. Kyle Hall, a Republican representing Forsyth and Stokes counties, received a state legislative leader award, issued jointly by Conservatives for Clean Energy North Carolina and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Hall was honored for spearheading legislation on solar net metering, solar leasing, funding in the state budget for university energy centers, and a proposed study of utility market reforms that would cut energy costs and improve reliability.

Congressman Patrick McHenry, a Republican representing North Carolina's 10th Congressional District, received a federal clean energy champion award for his long-standing support of clean-energy policies and innovation.

ABB E-mobility received a clean energy champion award for its sustained efforts to inform North Carolina's legislators, governor, state agency heads, and other decision makers about the importance of pro-electric transportation policies and programs.

Durham's Mystic Farm & Distillery received a clean energy champion award for operating the world's largest solar-powered bourbon distillery, which has a zero-waste production process.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance received a clean energy champion award for providing the clean-energy perspective of businesses throughout its growing 14-county region.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina received a clean energy champion award for its work to expand the state's large and growing clean-energy economic sector. Christopher Chung, EDPNC'S CEO, delivered the event's keynote speech.

"We are excited to share the stories and successes of this year's Clean Energy Champion award winners," said Carson Butts, State Director of Conservatives for Clean Energy North Carolina. "They are advancing clean-energy technologies, business investments, and their economic-development benefits in communities all across North Carolina."

The awards were presented during a luncheon Wednesday at City Club Raleigh.

"Year after year, North Carolina has been one of the top states in the country for clean energy jobs and economic investment," said Ryan Evans, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. "CICE is proud to partner with – and recognize – the leadership of our Clean Energy Champions in the state, who ensure North Carolina continues to reap the economic benefits of clean transportation and clean energy. They have set a standard that other states should look to for innovation and forward-thinking economic sustainability."

Representatives of ABB E-mobility, Biogen, and Schneider Electric discussed the business case for clean energy and the energy service and reliability that business customers need. Other participants discussed the need for state energy-market reform, which recent statewide polls show has strong public support across the political spectrum.