WASHINGTON, D.C., November 3, 2020 — Today national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) released a statement about the importance of today's election on the nation's transition to more affordable, clean and secure advanced energy resources. All remarks are from Nat Kreamer, AEE's CEO:
"The overwhelming voter turnout demonstrates that this has been a banner day for American democracy, despite the pandemic. Americans have voted in person, by ballot dropbox, and by mail, but one way or another, they made their voice count. I know our industry participated in this election as never before.
"At AEE, we made Election Day a paid holiday, and offered an extra day off for employees who gave of their time to boost voter turnout. Several member companies followed with similar policies, including, but not limited to, Clearway Energy, Modern Energy, and Pattern Energy. Other clean energy organizations, including American Clean Power Association and Vote Solar, encouraged their members to do so as well. We applaud everyone supporting American democracy.
"We launched AEEVotes, promoting voter participation with “I Voted” selfies tagged to #cleanenergyvotes on social media platforms, and providing personalized voting information.
"Advanced energy workers and supporters made their voices heard and for good reason. Clean energy was on the ballot today, and we at AEE stand ready to make the case to the winners of today’s election that advanced energy is poised to create prosperity for more Americans as we transition to a clean energy future.
"On a personal note, I fought in Afghanistan to defend American democracy. I came back from Afghanistan intent on getting the U.S. off of fossil fuels and on to renewable energy, so we would never have to fight overseas for oil again. To me, the fight for American democracy and the fight for advanced energy are one and the same. As we wait for the final tallies to determine the election outcome, I could not be more proud of my country, or my industry, today."