Clean energy super PAC says “don’t mess with solar” ☀️💰, with Tom Matzzie

The clean energy industry is getting aggressive, Super PAC style. And, honestly, it’s pretty exciting. Our guest this episode is Tom Matzzie, founder and CEO of Clean Choice Energy, an energy supplier whose mission is to make clean energy accessible to all. Highly relevant: he’s also a veteran political strategist. Clean energy entrepreneurs and advocates have largely relied on affordability, efficiency, and environmental upsides to make their case. You know, the facts. But elections aren’t decided on facts alone. They are about power and influence. Well, now there’s a new super PAC in town: the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition. It’s a pro-clean energy PAC founded in response to right-wing politicians killing the Inflation Reduction Act’s support for the clean energy industry. Their Texas-inspired message? “Don’t mess with solar.” _____ Clean energy mascot competition! 🏆 During this conversation, we found ourselves thinking: The clean energy industry needs a mascot. Ayana came up with Freddy the Photon. Bill came up with Sunny Da Riveter. Certainly you can do better. What should it be? Drop your ideas in our newsletter comments! We will think long and hard about your submissions, and in addition major bragging rights, we’ll send the winner a “don’t mess with solar” t-shirt. _____ Mentioned in this episode: * Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC * Merch for “Don’t Mess With Solar” and “Don’t Mess With Wind” * Tom’s company: Clean Choice Energy * Chip Roy,one of the leaders of the House Freedom Caucus, quoted on wanting to kill 90% of all clean energy projects. * There are more people working at Arby's sandwich shops than there are mining coal left in America. * Another podcast we recommend: The Nature of With Willow Defebaugh. Each episode, Willow sits down with artists, scientists, and cultural pioneers, from Robin Wall Kimmerer to Esther Perel, to uncover what nature can teach us about creativity, connection, and change. VERY good. Go listen! _____ PHONE BANK ☎️🌎 with Environmental Voter Project Join me every Wednesday until Election Day, from 12 - 1:30p ET. We’re gonna phone bank with EVP — on repeat — to help make sure Earth lovers show up to vote. Bring your crew. All the cool kids are doing it. Sign up at environmentalvoter.org/AEJ _____ Credits: This episode was produced by Remoy Philip and me (Ayana), with support from Jenisha Shrestha. Original music by Emma Munger. Graphic design by Holly Griffin of Design Hungry, and social media support from Feeling Seen Studio. Get full access to WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT? at ayanaelizabeth.substack.com/subscribe