To the Editor:
“Clean energy” and “conservative” haven’t traditionally been synonymous, but the clean energy transition is one of the biggest policy shifts of our time. As the former Chair of the Indiana Federation of Young Republicans, it is clear to me that young Republicans are demanding conservative solutions to clean energy and climate policy. These policy discussions continue to be requested at our local, state and national meetings. National polling conducted by the Conservative Energy Network last fall shows that women and men aged 18-34 are 80% and 84%, respectively, more likely to embrace Congressional Republicans who support a conservative approach to clean energy and climate policy. Here in Indiana, a poll conducted by the Indiana Conservative Alliance for Energy showed 65% of Republican women under 40 are more likely to vote for a candidate who favors increasing renewable energy.
As believers in fiscal conservatism, young Republicans want cheap ways to produce energy. Wind and solar are the cheapest form of energy and they are better alternatives for the environment. These prices and technological developments have largely been driven by the free market through competition and innovation. Plus, they enable us to generate energy locally, without relying on foreign fuel. The majority of Americans are feeling this lack of energy independence as we experienced record high gas bills and increased utility bills due to fuel cost adjustments. As Americans celebrate National Clean Energy Week this month and the many benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emission technologies, Republicans should join in. Not only is the younger generation seeking this type of policy change, but cheaper energy bills, and energy independence will benefit all Hoosiers.
Jeff Cummins
Westfield
