Will Cupid's arrow hit clean energy targets in VA?

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Hi John,

Before you jet out of the office for the long (and well-deserved) weekend, we wanted to brief you on the top climate and clean energy news this week.

The Democratic primary is heating up as candidates move on to two states with far more diverse electorates. We hope they are keeping an eye on the wishes of voters in the Silver State: In a poll in January, voters in Nevada said climate was their No. 2 issue ([link removed]) behind health care. We saw similar results in early and exit polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
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The Skinny Budget’s Fat Cuts to Clean Energy
The Trump administration released its FY21 budget request this week ([link removed]) , and it’s egregious. True to form, the White House has proposed some major cuts to clean energy R&D, including a $1.4 billion cut from clean/renewable energy research and the elimination of the electric vehicle tax credit, the energy investment tax credit, and accelerated depreciation deductions ([link removed]) for renewables. On top of that, the EPA workforce would shrink by 10%, leaving 1,600 people without a job.
Talking points:
* No one should ever believe this President when he says he cares about our climate or our environment. His budget reveals his administration’s true colors.
* The budget has been the one area where congressional Republicans have consistently deviated from the President. We hope they show the same conviction again for the sake of our planet and the economy.
* Climate has become a top-tier issue not just for Democrats, but also for Republicans—especially young Republicans ([link removed]) . This administration is ignoring voters along the entire ideological spectrum who want to address the climate crisis and to do so in a way that improves American competitiveness. This budget fails on both counts.

Want Climate Progress? Look to the States…and Utilities
Dominion Energy, a Richmond, VA-based utility serving nearly 7.5 million consumers in 18 states, just became the latest power provider to commit to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 ([link removed]) . The powerhouse electricity provider has committed to turning away from coal generation and doubling down on renewable energy, including through building 200 wind turbines off Virginia’s coast. This announcement comes on the heels of the Virginia Legislature ([link removed]) passing sweeping legislation that will establish a cap-and-trade program and invest in solar, offshore wind, and battery storage.

We’re tracking clean energy pledges and targets like these from cities, states, and utilities in our national dashboard. Check out the momentum here ([link removed]) .
As always, let’s keep the conversation going,
Jared

Jared DeWese
Senior Communications Advisor | Third Way
202.384.1737 :: @jareddewese ([link removed])

T.J. Osborne
Climate and Energy Press Coordinator | Third Way
202.775.5163 :: @tjosborne_ ([link removed])

Jackie Toth
Advisor for Policy and Content, Climate and Energy | Third Way
202.775.5167 :: @JackieTothDC ([link removed])

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