CHAMBERS IN ACTION

Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy.

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Bank of America CEO Speaks on the Advancement of a Clean Energy Economy at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference

The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Mackinac Policy Conference from May 30 to June 2 on Mackinac Island. This year’s conference focused on “the Power of &” which created dialogue among speakers and participants on why Michigan should be focused on an “and” approach, opposed to an “either or” when it comes to policy solutions. This sparked healthy and productive conversations and showed that the “Power of &” can bring polarizing sides closer to a middle ground.


Keynote speaker, Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America Corporation, discussed the transition to a cleaner energy future and supported capitalism, saying the “only hope” to accomplish sustainability and carbon-reduction goals is for businesses to bridge the gap that charities, government, and individuals can’t afford: "Capitalism isn't the only system that can do this; it's really the only hope to accomplish these things."


Moynihan praised the Inflation Reduction Act and the opportunities it brings to states like Michigan, such as funds to purchase electric buses and fast track permitting on new infrastructure construction. 


Bank of America, with a net income of $26 billion in 2022, has committed $1 trillion for the energy transition over 10 years. Businesses will be encouraged, and frankly, pushed to move towards a clean energy economy, regardless of their stance on climate change, carbon reduction, or clean energy.


"We need to help the transition take place for our clients or customers," Moynihan said. "Can we improve how it's done? One hundred percent, but right now, we need it to survive. So, the idea is how do you have that but make progress? And that comes down to having plans and having commitments, and so, the net-zero commitment by countries, by businesses, by sectors, by states, cities and towns covers a large portion of the economy in the world, 95%."

If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.


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Excellence in Clean Energy Leadership: Top Ten Chamber Stories of 2021
Chambers for Innovation Chambers for Innovation

Excellence in Clean Energy Leadership: Top Ten Chamber Stories of 2021

MA Speaker Mariano Unveils Plans to Invest Big in the Offshore Wind Industry at Boston Chamber Event
Massachusetts House Speaker, Ron Mariano, unveiled a plan to make major financial investments that will turn the South Coast into “a hub of wind energy for the region” at a recent virtual event with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speaker Marino added that the House plans to give $10 million to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to prioritize job training programs that prepare workers for offshore wind construction. 

OH Chambers and ED Oppose State Efforts to Thwart Massive Solar Investment
Ohio now has an opportunity to capture more than $18 billion of investment from utility scale solar developments. If realized, that would land Ohio as the state with the 3rd highest solar investment pipeline.  Additionally, according to a recent survey, a clear majority of Ohio voters support solar development and welcome it in their community. 

Tampa Bay Chamber VP of Advocacy Writes Op-Ed on Importance of Clean Energy in the Business Community
Clean energy and resilience have become integral measures of a region’s overall competitiveness. That’s a key reason for The Tampa Bay Chamber’s decision to include goals in its policy platform to advance them both and to engage the business community in supporting local action surrounding these priorities that are flexible, predictable, and durable.

Chamber, Businesses, and City Leaders Prioritize Arizona's Needs for Federal Infrastructure Investment
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, in partnership with Arizona Forward and the City of Tempe Office of Sustainability, led a three part series of workshops in June with Arizona business and community leaders. The workshops provided a forum for candid and detailed discussions with congressional staff about the priorities for Arizona regarding infrastructure needs, especially as they relate to clean energy and sustainability investments. 

Senator Tillis, NC Chambers, and Industry Leaders Drive Home Leadership Opportunities in EV Innovation
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina chambers of commerce, economic development executives, and industry leaders gathered for a dialogue on what’s at stake for the state’s electrification industry. “It is exciting to see the progress we’re making in the area of renewable energy, and to see the opportunities that we have in the United States to be an innovator and a leader particularly when talking about medium to heavy duty electric vehicles,” said Senator Tillis. 

How to Navigate and Lead in Clean Energy and Climate Discussions
Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations are claiming their seat at the table when it comes to clean energy policy, resilience, and climate discussions. Clean energy and climate are everyday conversations in the business and policy world. With solar and wind energy becoming the cheapest form of new electric generation, and 70 percent of Fortune 100 companies setting clean energy goals, the transition to sustainable energy is undeniable.

Ohio Chambers Tour North America's Largest Solar Manufacturer and Discuss the Future of Solar in their Communities
In light of $18 billion economic investment on the line in the state with utility scale solar development, Ohio chamber of commerce and economic development leaders are eager to learn how they can support this opportunity in their counties. Many of these chamber leaders and other economic leaders gathered recently at First Solar in Perrysburg, the largest solar module manufacturer in the Western hemisphere to participate in a conversation on how to best navigate conflict with utility-scale solar development. 

The Clean Energy Economy Bodes Well for AZ Jobs & Economic Growth
Chambers and business leaders discuss the opportunities associated with Arizona investing in a clean energy economy, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and other federal policies that could positively impact the state. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) opened the session by providing an overview of the proposed infrastructure bills in Congress and the effects climate change is playing on our economy and quality of life, saying “Arizona, and our entire nation needs to invest in infrastructure.” 

NC Chamber Leaders Gather to Learn About the Offshore Wind Industry and the Opportunities it Holds
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy hosted its first-ever Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Offshore Wind Summit on Friday October 27 in Wilmington, NC, a hot spot area for offshore wind development. Chamber and economic development leaders heard from experts in the industry and saw firsthand the $109 billion economic potential of offshore wind (OSW) through supply chain opportunities and development off the coast.

Chamber Led Study Recommends CT Step Up its Offshore Wind Game
“The report highlights the economic opportunities available and our advantages in attracting those opportunities, and challenges that can keep the state from realizing the maximum potential offered by offshore wind power,” says The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut President and CEO, Tony Sheridan. 

If you would like to learn more about navigating clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.