In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Governor Brian Kemp, Republican candidate running for Governor in Georgia. Also in this series, we profile Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for Governor in Georgia.
Cary Ritzler and Guest Blog | September 29, 2022 | Climate Change, Elections, Energy Policy, GeorgiaBrady Watson, former Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, also contributed to this blog post.
This post is part of a series examining where 2022 candidates running for public offices in the Southeast stand on key energy and climate issues. Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites, and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Governor Brian Kemp, Republican candidate running for Governor in Georgia. Also in this series, we profile Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for Governor in Georgia. Election Day is November 8, 2022, and also features an election for U.S. Senate in the state of Georgia between incumbent Democratic candidate Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican candidate Herschel Walker.
Kemp ran his company, Kemp Development and Construction, for more than 30 years before running for Governor in 2018. He lives in Athens with his wife and 3 children.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
As Governor, Kemp announced the expansion of the Qcells solar manufacturing plant in Whitfield County which will bring an additional 470 jobs to the state. He also announced a $150 investment from Silicon Ranch for 3 solar projects in Early County. He designated Clean Energy Week in Georgia in 2021.
Climate Change
Kemp’s campaign priorities do not mention climate change or the environment. Kemp joined other Georgia Republican leaders in criticizing federal spending in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Electric Transportation
Kemp has advocated for electric vehicles as Governor and helped bring electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to the state. “My administration’s more recent emphasis on innovation and development in the electric mobility ecosystem has equipped our state with a new tool in the tool box to deliver big wins for hardworking Georgians,” said Kemp in his 2022 State of the State address.
Energy Equity and Energy Burden
Kemp signed House Bill 762 into law which created the Fulton Technology and Energy Enhancement Authority that will allow the entity to “[C]ontract for the construction of renewable energy infrastructure and buildings and facilities, including but not limited to green buildings or facilities, and to use, sell, or lease such infrastructure, buildings, products, and facilities to accomplish the purposes of the authority….”
High-Risk Energy: Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Gas
Kemp signed onto a letter urging the Biden admin to expand fossil fuel production in the U.S. shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Voter Information
The voter registration deadline for the U.S. Senate election in Georgia is October 11, and early voting begins October 17. Election Day for the 2022 midterms will be held on November 8, 2022. Find voting information in Georgia.
Read the Where the Candidates Stand on Climate and Clean Energy Blog Series
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