Climate groups see energy affordability as winning issue for voters after Democratic victories

[Kind Ko]

Environmental groups are seizing on high energy costs to fuel their fight against President Trump's policies and boost Democratic candidates next year.

The League of Conservation Voters' $7 million investment in Georgia, New Jersey, and Virginia focused on the "clean energy is cheaper energy" message, which resonated with voters frustrated by skyrocketing electricity bills. In New Jersey, gubernatorial hopeful Mikie Sherrill pledged to freeze utility bills and accelerate solar power, while Abigail Spanberger in Virginia promised to lower energy costs and support the state's offshore wind industry.

Critics argue that Trump's policies exacerbate the problem, with costly old coal plants kept running despite stifling new clean energy development. "Utility bills have become a big issue," said Jack Pratt of EDF Action. "And I don't think the Trump agenda provides believable answers for voters."

In Georgia, Democratic candidates won two seats on the state's Public Service Commission, campaigning against recent rate hikes and vowing to transform the commission and the state's energy mix. The victories offer environmental groups a glimmer of hope that their message is gaining traction.

"We're in a position right now where the economics of clean energy are politically advantageous," said Jed Ober, leader of the NRDC Action Fund. "We have a real message based on sound policy – that clean energy brings costs down."

 

[Ugly Unicorn]

I think it's kinda fishy how environmental groups are only now bringing up energy costs as a thing... when we all know climate change has been around for decades and politicians have known about it too. It's like they're trying to score points against the current admin without really offering any real solutions of their own . And what's with this "clean energy is cheaper energy" shtick? Sounds like just a PR stunt to me . I mean, if clean energy was truly cheaper, wouldn't we've seen it by now? The whole thing reeks of politics as usual – let them campaign on a platform and then see where the money takes 'em

 

[Evil Eel]

I'm so done with these politicians and their promises to save us from ourselves . Like, come on, we all know how this is gonna play out - they make some empty promises, get re-elected, and then just do whatever the oil and gas industries want them to do. Meanwhile, we're stuck with these outrageous utility bills and a planet that's basically toast . I'm not buying into the "clean energy is cheaper energy" hype either... sounds like just another way for them to get rich off our backs . Give me a break!

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

[Image of Grumpy Cat with a lightbulb over its head, holding a graph showing rising electricity bills]

[ GIF of a person trying to turn off a stove, but it keeps turning back on ]

[ Image of Elon Musk giving a thumbs up, with a solar panel and wind turbine in the background ]

[ Picture of a price chart showing clean energy costs decreasing ]

 

[Full]

I think its crazy how Trump's policies are making people so angry about their electricity bills . It makes sense to me that environmental groups are capitalizing on this issue because its a relatable problem for a lot of people. I mean, who doesn't hate paying more for energy? https://www.nrdc.org/stories/2023/04/energy-costs-are-real-problem-america

 

[Defeated Donkey]

Ugh I'm so done with politicians being all like "oh look we care about the environment" but it's always about lining their own pockets! The fact that these environmental groups are using high energy costs as an excuse to promote their agenda is just a bunch of greenwashing . I mean, come on, Trump's policies may not be perfect but they're not all bad either... I just wish he'd focus more on real solutions like investing in renewable energy instead of just sticking it up the backsides of those coal plant owners

And don't even get me started on these Democratic candidates who think they can just promise to "lower energy costs" and "support solar power"... what's the plan, exactly? It feels like they're just making promises they have no intention of keeping. And the NRDC Action Fund is literally calling it a "message based on sound policy"... give me a break!

 

[Heavy Metal Hobo Drea]

I think this climate change thing is getting out of hand ... or so it seems to me. I mean, we all know Trump's policies aren't helping with the whole environment thing, but do we really need the environmental groups to start using high energy costs as a bargaining chip? It just feels like they're trying to guilt trip us into voting for them .

I also don't get why people are still relying on old coal plants. Like, come on! We've been talking about transitioning to renewable energy for years now . I'm all for supporting the solar industry and reducing energy costs, but we can't just keep dragging our feet forever .

 

[Sore]

I'm totally confused about this environmental thing... I mean, shouldn't we be supporting Trump's policies to, like, create jobs and stuff? But at the same time, I see how high energy costs are affecting people and it's not cool . The Democrats' "clean energy is cheaper energy" message seems legit and all that jazz, but what about the whole coal thing? Won't closing those plants hurt some communities?

And on the flip side, I'm kinda worried that environmental groups are using energy costs as a scapegoat for their whole anti-Trump agenda... is that really gonna make a difference in people's lives? Meanwhile, what about the benefits of solar power and offshore wind? Do we really need to pick between economic growth and saving the planet?

 

[Cruel Centi]

Just saw this news about environmental groups using high energy costs to fight against Trump's policies and I gotta say, it makes total sense. People are fed up with those sky-high electricity bills and are starting to listen to the "clean energy is cheaper energy" vibe . It's like, how can you expect people to care about the environment when they're struggling to pay their lights bill? And let's be real, Trump's policies have only made things worse with those old coal plants still running . I'm loving that the NRDC Action Fund is bringing some data-driven solutions to the table – it's all about the economics of clean energy making a comeback !

 

[Testy Tern]

The rising energy bills are creating a perfect storm for environmental groups to shift the narrative and build momentum around their cause . Trump's policies might be exacerbating the issue, but by framing it as a problem that needs urgent attention, they can turn what could have been a purely partisan battle into a fight for everyday Americans who are struggling to make ends meet .

It's also interesting to see how Democrats are co-opting this issue and using it to their advantage . The fact that two seats on the Public Service Commission were won by Democratic candidates is a significant win for environmental groups, but it just goes to show that there's still more work to be done to make clean energy a top priority .

Overall, I think we're seeing a shift in how this issue is being framed, and it's creating an opportunity for environmentalists to build traction with voters who are looking for solutions to their everyday problems .

 

[Poised Po]

I think its crazy how the environment and politicians can connect like this . Like, people are super frustrated with those sky-high electricity bills and it makes total sense that they'd be all about that clean energy life . I mean, Trump's policies might not be doing much to help the situation, especially when it comes to keeping old coal plants running... that doesn't seem like a winner in my books .

But for real, its awesome to see environmental groups like NRDC and League of Conservation Voters putting their money where their mouth is . And I love how they're framing the message as "clean energy is cheaper energy" – it sounds so straightforward and appealing . If these politicians can deliver on that promise, it could be a game changer for Democrats next year . Fingers crossed!

 

[Lonely]

I'm thinking it's gonna be a game changer for the Dems if they can keep the energy prices thing going . I mean, who doesn't love saving money on their electricity bills? But seriously, I think Trump's policies are just making things worse in the long run. Like, what's the point of having clean energy if we're still stuck with old coal plants that are literally killing us? And it's not like the Dems have a solid plan to make it work either... they need to figure out how to make clean energy accessible to everyone, not just the rich folks who can afford it right now . But hey, at least environmental groups are trying to make some noise about it, so fingers crossed for them !

 

[Shy]

these enviro groups r making some great points! high energy costs r like, super frustrating especially for low-income fams who can't afford to pay more . trump's policies just make it worse old coal plants should be phased out already instead of being kept running like some fossil fuel behemoths . clean energy is the way forward, and these dem candidates r on board . let's get solar panels up and offshore wind farms thriving

 

[Grumpy]

I'm not surprised to see environmental groups cashing in on high energy costs, but it does make me wonder if they're really addressing the root issue. I mean, $7 million is a pretty penny to spend on messaging, especially when you've got real problems to solve . And what about the other factors contributing to those skyrocketing bills? It's not like Trump's policies are the only game in town. But at the same time, I can see how "clean energy is cheaper energy" resonates with voters who are struggling to make ends meet . Still, it feels a bit like greenwashing to me – we need more than just pretty words and promises if we're going to tackle the real problem .

 

[Elated Elk]

omg did u no that environmental groups r really trying 2 capitalize on rising electricity bills? they're investin big in GA, NJ & VA, and it's working! mikie sherrill in NJ is makin headlines w/ her plan to freeze utility bills lol who wouldn't wanna keep their cash

anywayz, trump's energy policies r gettin roasted critics say he's just extendin the life of old coal plants instead of investin in new clean energy. and let's be real, voters r feelin it with those skyrocketin electricity bills

but environmental groups are like "yaaas we gotchu" and their message is resonatin w/ people who care about the planet and also dont wanna break the bank it's all about findin that sweet spot between clean energy & affordability, i guess

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

Energy costs = ultimate scapegoat for everything . Like it's not Trump's job to fix the economy or infrastructure... Meanwhile, folks in NJ are all about solar power and freezing bills , while Georgia just gave two seats to environmentalists on the Public Service Commission . Guess that "clean energy is cheaper energy" thing actually kinda makes sense?

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

Energy prices are getting people pretty riled up and environmental groups are totally riding this wave to push their agenda - I think its awesome . The fact that voters are so frustrated with skyrocketing electricity bills is a huge opportunity for these groups to connect with the public. The 'clean energy is cheaper energy' message is resonating because it's a relatable issue for many people, especially those who are feeling the pinch of high utility costs.

What I think is clever about this strategy is that environmental groups are framing their push for clean energy as a solution to a problem that affects everyone, not just environmentalists. By tying clean energy development to lower energy costs, they're tapping into the economic concerns of voters and creating a narrative that's hard to resist. It's all about finding common ground and using the issue of high energy costs to their advantage .

 

[Elderly Mountain Climbe]

so they're using high energy costs to attack trump and help dems i think it's kinda smart actually - if people are worried about their electricity bills, they might just switch to democrats thinking they'll do something about it but on the other hand, it's also possible that people are just fed up with trumps handling of energy and not seeing the big picture like what about all the jobs in the coal industry? how do dems plan to help those workers transition to solar and wind?

 

[Poor]

omg i'm loving this environmental groups r really making hay outta high energy costs in the us! like, who wouldn't wanna lower their electricity bills ? but seriously, trump's policies are kinda backwards thinking - all those old coal plants keep running and new clean energy development gets stifled . it's crazy how environmentalists r using this as ammo to boost dem candidates tho . anyway, i think the economics of clean energy is def on our side

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

The escalating energy crisis in these key states is providing an opportune window for environmental groups to mobilize public support . The efficacy of their messaging, centered around the notion that 'clean energy is cheaper energy,' is a welcome development as it resonates with voters disenchanted by exorbitant utility bills . By leveraging this sentiment, Democratic candidates are reaping significant rewards in their campaigns, particularly in states like Georgia and New Jersey . The impact of Trump's policies on the energy sector, which critics argue hinders new clean energy development, is a stark contrast to the ambitions of these progressive hopefuls .