As renewable energy usage grows in the United States, effective renewable portfolio standard lobbying becomes increasingly relevant to protecting the interests of American consumers and their environment. With states adopting renewable energy standards and federal legislation expanding, professional advocates play a crucial role in shaping balanced, effective solutions. Therefore, understanding lobbyists’ strategies for influencing these policies is crucial to navigating the energy legislation landscape.
Compass Government Relations brings extensive experience in environmental lobbying to energy policy discussions. Our team represents Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and trade associations in front of all levels of government in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Call (443) 343-7143 to speak with our team of experienced lobbyists and learn how we can help.
Below, we discuss how lobbying affects renewable energy legislation:
Current State of Renewable Energy Legislation
Renewable energy legislation is gaining significant popularity. In 2022, the nation generated more renewable energy than coal for the first time in United States history. Similarly, the clean energy sector is growing rapidly, which creates new jobs, investments, and production capacity.
Furthermore, federal legislation has reflected this growth and commitment to renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated funding for clean energy infrastructure while also providing tax incentives for purchases of solar panels, electric vehicles, and other renewable innovations.
Each state can set its renewable portfolio standard (RPS) apart from federal legislation. The RPS standard states that electricity providers must source a percentage of their energy from renewable sources.
What Are Environmental Lobbyists?
Environmental lobbyists are professionals who attempt to persuade legislators to support or oppose a piece of environmental legislation. They analyze energy regulations, provide technical expertise, and represent stakeholder interests during policy discussions. As states develop new clean energy programs, environmental lobbyists are crucial for helping lawmakers understand the benefits, drawbacks, and implementations.
However, lobbyists’ role extends far beyond advocacy. They educate lawmakers by facilitating site visits, organize stakeholder coalitions, and demonstrate the practical value of environmental politics. Environmental lobbyists translate technical information into actionable recommendations to help legislators make informed, responsible decisions about energy policy.
How Lobbyists Can Influence Energy Legislation
- Direct Lobbying
Lobbyists maintain strong relationships with key lawmakers and committee members who shape energy legislation. In having a direct pipeline to decision-makers, lobbyists help lawmakers understand the impact their policies will have on constituents, businesses, and surrounding areas.
- Professional Testimony
Lobbyists bridge the gap between complex energy knowledge and technical political language. By providing lawmakers with data about clean energy implementation and market impact, lobbyists share compelling, factually relevant reasons to support their energy goals. This helps turn their environmental lobbying goals into practical, achievable legislation.
- Grassroots Lobbying
Grassroots lobbying is when lobbyists encourage an area’s constituents to contact their legislators and urge them to support or oppose legislation. By organizing citizens’ support, lobbyists can pressure lawmakers to support clean energy policies. Compass Public Relations can mobilize constituents on behalf of energy clients.
Take Action with Compass
Expert advocates should always be involved in crucial energy legislation. At Compass Government Relations, we combine deep policy knowledge with proven lobbying experience to represent renewable energy clients all across the Mid-Atlantic. Call (443) 343-7143 today to learn how our energy government relations expertise can advance your policy goals.